Why Your Children Should Have Regular Dentist Appointments

Many parents are shocked by the impact that poor oral health can have on their child’s overall health. As a child’s oral health is connected to their overall health, every parent should take this very seriously. Taking your child to the dentist is crucial for helping your child to develop good oral healthcare practices that they will use throughout their life.

When Should You Start Taking Your Children to the Dentist?

Our children’s dentists recommended that you first bring your child to our clinic once their first tooth has erupted, or by 12 months of age. Making your child experience dental appointments at a young age allows them to get accustomed to going to the dentist and make them less likely to be scared of undergoing a procedure.

How Often Should Your Child Have An Appointment?

After their very first appointment, it’s recommended that children come in every six to 12 months for a check-up. Even if your child isn’t experiencing any problems, we want to ensure that your child’s teeth are erupting properly. We will also look out for any signs of tooth decay, and we’ll try to correct any bad habits your child may develop, such as tongue thrusting, teeth grinding, lisping, or breathing through their mouth.

Teaching Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Besides taking your children to the dentist, you should also personally teach them how to properly take care of their teeth. If your child doesn’t follow proper oral healthcare practices, it can eventually contribute to the risk of critical health conditions like stroke, heart disease and diabetes later in life. This can be prevented by teaching your kids good oral healthcare habits early in life. Doing so will make them more likely to care about their oral hygiene for the rest of their lives.

Put Your Child on the Right Path Today

It’s never too early to start taking your child to the dentist for appointments. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist who can help with instilling good oral healthcare habits from a young age, book an appointment at East Bentleigh Dental Group by calling us on (03) 9575 1100.