When you have children, you worry about everything, including their health and well-being. To maintain their health, you probably take them to see their pediatrician on a regular basis. However, you might not have a pediatric dentist for your children. If that's the case, now's the time to add one to your child's wellness team. If you're like most new parents, you might not know when your children should start seeing a pediatric dentist. Most dentists recommend that children see a dentist for their first checkup by their first birthday. After that milestone visit, your children should see the dentist twice a year for routine checkups. However, there are other times that also require a trip to the dentist. Read the list provided below. You'll find four reasons to visit the pediatric dentist with your children.
Your Baby's Teeth Haven't Erupted
If you have a newborn, you might be waiting for them to start teething. In most cases, babies begin to teethe at around three months of age. However, their first teeth won't reach the surface until they're about 4 to 7 months old. If your baby's first tooth hasn't broken through the skin by the time they're about 7 months old, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Your baby may need to have dental x-rays to identify any potential problems.
Your Toddler's Teeth Are Discolored
If you have a toddler and they're still using a bottle, watch for tooth discoloration. You might not realize this, but bottles can lead to a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay. This occurs when the sugar from milk and juice causes the enamel to break away from the surface of the tooth. Over time, the tooth decay can cause discoloration. If you notice any type of discoloration on the surface of your toddler's teeth, and the discoloration doesn't go away after brushing, be sure to schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist.
Your Child Has Chronic Bad Breath
If your child has a persistent case of bad breath, you might think it's normal. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. In fact, bad breath could be a sign that your child is dealing with some dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Before the condition gets worse, take your child in for a dental examination.
Your Adolescent Has Crooked Teeth
If you've noticed that your adolescent has teeth that aren't as straight as they should be, now's the time to visit a pediatric dentist. Your child may require orthodontic braces to correct their bite. If that's the case, a pediatric dentist can provide your child with a referral to an orthodontist.
