Regular pediatric dental exams are an important part of preventative health care. If you are a new parent, you are experiencing lots of new things. Your baby is experiencing new things as well. Scheduling regular dental exams for someone else is one of the new responsibilities you will need to shoulder.

You may have questions about pediatric dental visits for your child. For example, at what age should your little one start pediatric dental visits? What should you expect from your visit? Regular pediatric dental exams help protect children’s oral health. They give pediatric dentists a chance to identify dental problems early when they are more treatable.

One in five kids under five years has tooth decay, according to the AAPD, which is the American Association of Pediatric Dentists. By identifying any developing dental condition early, a pediatric dentist will be able to address the problem more effectively.

When you start taking your child for dental exams early, your pediatric dentist will do everything to ensure your little one has a healthy and beautiful smile for life. During your first visit, the dentist will check for injuries, tooth decay, and other dental issues. Such dental exams also allow pediatric dentists to track dental changes in children as they age.

Many pediatricians address basic oral hygiene issues. Also, they are a great source for referrals to a child-friendly dental practice if you are unsure where to take your little one. However, dental care by a primary care physician is no substitute for a pediatric dental exam by a trained and experienced dental professional.

Dentists have the training required to identify signs and symptoms of early tooth decay. They provide the most effective preventative services to stop dental issues from progressing. You may not know this, but your child’s diet can cause tartar to develop at a very young age.

Very young kids can sit on a parent’s lap during the dental examination, which should not be traumatic or long. Most pediatric dentists have various positive rewards for kids, such as stickers and toys. These rewards make kids feel more comfortable in the dentist’s office. Early exposure also allows for a detailed discussion about good dental health habits.

Risks for tooth discoloration and decay begin with the appearance of the first baby tooth. Thus, a pediatric dentist needs to keep a close watch on your child’s oral health.