Child & family DENTISTRY
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common disease among American children? Your child does not have to be a part of the 40% of children in the United States who experience decay before they reach kindergarten. By encouraging and demonstrating proper oral care at an early age, you will help to ensure your child develops healthy hygiene habits.
The dentist does not have to be a scary place for you or your children. Child and family dentist Dr. Leslie Hayes, in Bozeman, MT prides herself in creating a fun and enjoyable experience for her patients, with special attention to kids. Instead of dreading taking your child in for their semi-annual cleaning, you will be thrilled to see how excited they are to go see Dr. Hayes.
The sooner your child starts to see a dentist, the healthier their oral hygiene will be for the rest of their life. Encouraging good dental habits early on will help prevent tooth decay and cavities, as well as the pain and cost that comes along with those. According to the American Dental Association, your child should visit a dentist by the time they turn 1 year old. However, as baby teeth can form much earlier than 1 year of age, maintaining a healthy dental regimen is highly encouraged during infancy. Be sure to utilize the correct tools for your baby’s routine. There are specially designed toothbrushes for infants that feature a much softer and smaller brush head to accommodate their small mouths.
While teaching proper oral hygiene habits at home is extremely important, it cannot replace the benefits that seeing a professional provides. Your child’s dentist will remove excess plaque that can lead to cavities as well as offer professional tips and instructions on how best to floss and brush their teeth. During this time, the parents will receive further knowledge on the most common causes to their child’s dental issues. This could consist of advice to switch from milk and juice at night to water instead or lessening the amount of sugar and starch presented in their child’s diet.
It is a common misconception that primary teeth do not need to be taken care of like permanent teeth do. This could not be farther from the truth, as the health and care of primary teeth directly impact the development of permanent teeth; not to mention that instilling a consistent oral hygiene routine in your child at a young age is imperative to their future dental habits.
Set your child up for success when it comes to their oral health. Contact child and family dentist Dr. Leslie Hayes, to schedule an appointment today to start them off on the right track. Seeking orthodontics for your child? Dr. Hayes has you covered there too, offering both braces and Invisalign. Click here to learn more about our Orthodontic services.