Why is a Pediatric Dental Check-up Important?

A pediatric dental check-up is more important than many parents realize. It allows us to ensure that a child's teeth are coming in properly and allows us to clean their teeth to prevent the likelihood of developing decay. Even young toddlers can develop tooth decay. In fact, it is so common that there is a specific phrase for it, "baby bottle tooth decay."

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle decay is when babies or toddlers develop tooth decay, also known as cavities. Very often, children suffer from this decay when they take a bottle to bed with them every night. Whether the bottle is full of milk or juice, drinking a bottle will place sugar on their teeth that will remain there throughout the night.

While the sugar remains on the teeth, an acid may begin attacking the enamel on the teeth. If this happens night after night, it is highly likely that a child will suffer from decay. Children who breastfeed also have this risk since there is sugar in a mother's milk, as well.

How do you prevent the bottle tooth decay?

An efficient way to prevent this common problem is to brush a baby or toddler's teeth before they go to bed. Afterward, give them water in a bottle or no bottle at all. This keeps sugar off of their teeth while they are sleeping. Second, it is important to schedule a pediatric dental check-up at least twice a year. This will allow us to clean their teeth and remove some of the plaque that may have built up.

Why is a pediatric dental check-up so important?

We want to prevent decay and infections whenever possible. However, we realize that sometimes a child may suffer from decay. In that case, these appointments will prevent future decay and also allow us to treat any current problems before they become worse. This is incredibly important because cavities and tooth infections can be very painful.

We do not want any of our young patients to suffer unnecessarily. If they do suffer from decay that remains untreated, it could lead to premature tooth loss. This type of tooth loss can create a variety of challenges with the positioning of their teeth.

Will my child be uncomfortable?

We treat children on a regular basis and know how to keep them physically comfortable. We also work hard to help them feel welcome and safe when visiting our office. Parents can further help with this by talking to their child about what to expect from the appointment and being positive about the experience overall.

Children take a lot of cues from their parents. Thus, the way in which a parent prepares for and handles the appointment is going to significantly impact how the child feels and behaves.

Schedule a pediatric dental check-up today

One of the best things a parent can do for their child's oral health is to schedule an appointment with our office on a regular basis so that we can prevent and treat oral health problems. Call us today at (562) 455-1310.

A pediatric dental check-up is more important than many parents realize. It allows us to ensure that a child's teeth are coming in properly and allows us to clean their teeth to prevent the likelihood of developing decay. Even young toddlers can develop tooth decay. In fact, it is so common that there is a specific phrase for it, "baby bottle tooth decay."

What is baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle decay is when babies or toddlers develop tooth decay, also known as cavities. Very often, children suffer from this decay when they take a bottle to bed with them every night. Whether the bottle is full of milk or juice, drinking a bottle will place sugar on their teeth that will remain there throughout the night.

While the sugar remains on the teeth, an acid may begin attacking the enamel on the teeth. If this happens night after night, it is highly likely that a child will suffer from decay. Children who breastfeed also have this risk since there is sugar in a mother's milk, as well.

How do you prevent the bottle tooth decay?

An efficient way to prevent this common problem is to brush a baby or toddler's teeth before they go to bed. Afterward, give them water in a bottle or no bottle at all. This keeps sugar off of their teeth while they are sleeping. Second, it is important to schedule a pediatric dental check-up at least twice a year. This will allow us to clean their teeth and remove some of the plaque that may have built up.

Why is a pediatric dental check-up so important?

We want to prevent decay and infections whenever possible. However, we realize that sometimes a child may suffer from decay. In that case, these appointments will prevent future decay and also allow us to treat any current problems before they become worse. This is incredibly important because cavities and tooth infections can be very painful.

We do not want any of our young patients to suffer unnecessarily. If they do suffer from decay that remains untreated, it could lead to premature tooth loss. This type of tooth loss can create a variety of challenges with the positioning of their teeth.

Will my child be uncomfortable?

We treat children on a regular basis and know how to keep them physically comfortable. We also work hard to help them feel welcome and safe when visiting our office. Parents can further help with this by talking to their child about what to expect from the appointment and being positive about the experience overall.

Children take a lot of cues from their parents. Thus, the way in which a parent prepares for and handles the appointment is going to significantly impact how the child feels and behaves.

Schedule a pediatric dental check-up today

One of the best things a parent can do for their child's oral health is to schedule an appointment with our office on a regular basis so that we can prevent and treat oral health problems. Call us today at (562) 455-1310.

Recent Posts

Reasons To Bring Your Child To A Pediatric Dentist

Wondering if a pediatric dentist is a better option for your child rather than making an appointment with a general dentist? While there are many general dentists who are great when it comes to treating children, some are specifically trained in dealing with children. They know how to address children in a way that makes…

Baby Teething Remedies To Try At Home

Many new parents call our office hoping to find out about baby teething remedies to get through what can be a very difficult time. We understand how frustrating it can be for parents to watch their child suffer. Unfortunately, teething is a necessary part of life and there will be pain associated with it.Plain and…

No One Is Immune To Dental Infection

Starting proper oral hygiene at a young age can greatly decrease the risk of dental infection early on.As a pediatric dentist, we specialize in treating children and infants in need of dental care. The earlier you begin the proper dental care measures for your child, the better chance at a healthy set of teeth when…

Don't Let A Child Grow Up With Unhealthy Teeth

Keep your child healthy by visiting us for regular checkups and cleanings. Call today!As a pediatric dentist, we specialize in treating children and infants in need of dental care. The earlier you begin the proper dental care measures for your child, the better chance at a healthy set of teeth when they grow up.Pediatric DentistAt…


Recent Posts

Benefits Of Dental Implants

4 Benefits Of Dental Implants

Considering dental implants? No one should have to live with missing teeth that cause cosmetic or oral health concerns, and dental implants help many replace missing teeth and regain confidence in their smile. Along with the cosmetic benefits, many find better oral health, improved function and other advantages with dental implants.There are many benefits dental…

Wisdom Tooth Extraction And Top Reasons It Is Recommended

Wisdom Tooth Extraction And Top Reasons It Is Recommended

Understanding more about wisdom tooth extraction and why it is necessary is a great idea. Many people need their wisdom teeth extracted from their mouths in order to support overall good oral health. This extra set of teeth can potentially cause problems with the existing teeth, making it necessary for anyone whose wisdom teeth are…