Bringing your child to the dentist by their first birthday is very important for their long-term health. Introducing them to their home dentist, hygienists, office atmosphere and the normality of a professional cleaning helps create a positive association with oral care and encourages healthy habits from the very beginning.
Dr. Abelar believes in creating a lasting relationship with his patients from early childhood to ensure consistent and comprehensive care. Regular cleanings every six months beginning in babyhood allow for Dr. Abelar to get to know your child’s teeth and mouth. This creates an opportunity to notice when something looks off much sooner than jumping from dentist to dentist that may be unfamiliar with the nature of each child’s unique oral structure.
The Center for Disease Control says that 40% of children are suffering from tooth decay by the time they begin Kindergarten. It’s currently the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States.
The misconception that baby teeth are not important is very dangerous and can have lasting negative impacts well into adulthood. Bad habits such as irregular flossing or brushing carry on into adulthood. Infections don’t just hold consequences for the tooth itself. Infections involving baby teeth, especially when left untreated, spread to the roots surrounding the teeth.
Adult teeth mature in the gums underneath the baby teeth until they fall out. This infection in the root can easily disrupt the development of these permanent teeth and even cause damage to their appearance and structure. If a baby tooth falls out or is removed for any reason, the emergence of a healthy adult tooth can be affected. The permanent tooth may come in crooked, at the wrong angle or emerge before it’s ready.
The best way to promote healthy habits and a lifetime of good oral health is to bring your children into the office as early as possible and maintain those vital twice a year cleanings. Even if you get behind, our office is only a phone call away. Let us help you keep your whole family healthy and on track today by scheduling an appointment at 858-866-9692.
