Each February, The American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research informs us that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.
Why is this alarming? The fact is - tooth decay in children is almost entirely preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene such as brushing thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste is an effective and safe preventative measure to protect teeth and help keep children from getting cavities. In addition to children brushing with fluoride toothpaste, dental sealants and community water fluoridation are two additional strategies that may help prevent tooth decay.
By educating children about good brushing habits and healthy food choices, we are helping eliminate dental anxieties as an adult and getting them started on the right path to a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Our doctors and team at SmilesForever Orthodontics are proactive in instructing our pediatric patients in caring for their dental health! Whether in an appliance or on a recall (not-quite-ready-for-orthodontic-treatment) patient basis, we look for overall gingival and tooth health at each appointment. We take pride in our abilities to educate our patients and to help them produce healthy, happy smiles!
When should your child first see the dentist? The answer might be earlier than you think! The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Why your child should visit an orthodontist by age seven?
Even though most people think of preteens and teens when thinking of orthodontics, there are many good reasons your child should visit SmilesForever Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation much sooner.
Early treatment may give Dr. Brad Gilbert and Dr. Adam Wells the chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve the health and function of your child’s bite
- Improve appearance
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child their best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile!
