Many people forget to take care of their teeth. Is it a wonder that they forget to take care of their children’s teeth? However, preventive dentistry for children is an important thing you can do to protect their health.

You may wonder why it is such a big deal. After all, baby teeth will fall out, and adult teeth will replace them. Start taking care of their oral hygiene when they get their first tooth. When you start early, it paves the way for lifelong oral health. They will be healthy and free of dental problems.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry consists of helping them develop good dental habits and taking them for regular dental checkups at Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry. When you teach your children to floss and brush their teeth when they are young, it becomes a habit. When you familiarize them with dental visits, they will learn the value of these visits. They will extend these habits throughout their life.

What Is the Focus?

The focus is dental care that maintains good oral care in children.

Why Is It Important?

Preventive dentistry keeps the gums, teeth, and the whole mouth healthy. It prevents tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. These issues could cause their teeth to fall out earlier and affect the permanent teeth. Here are some reasons why preventive dentistry is vital.

It Allows for Better Nutrition

Tooth decay and cavities can prevent your child from biting into their fruits and vegetables. They will try to stay away from these foods to avoid toothaches and severe pain. It may lead to severe nutrient deficiency and worsen tooth decay and cavities as they opt for softer processed foods. They will not be able to enjoy different varieties of foods.

Gives Them a Healthy Smile

Who would not want to have a healthy smile? It raises your self-esteem and boosts your confidence. Preventive dentistry allows your child to enjoy a healthy smile well into adulthood.

It Protects Them From Restorative Dental Work

Restorative dental work can be expensive for you and painful for your child. When you practice preventive dentistry, it will reduce the costs you have to incur from restorative dental work. You also do not have to book multiple appointments with the dentist. The many visits could inconvenience you and your child. It will also cost you time spent away from work and school.

It Is Important for Speech Development

Early dental hygiene promotes the healthy growth of teeth. Speech development hinges on the teeth. Their growth needs to be at the right time and form so that your child does not miss their developmental milestones. Once the teeth come in, you can ask your child’s dentist to cover them with sealants to prevent decay and cavities.

It Is Important for Overall Health

Preventive dentistry protects your child from the risk of diabetes and heart disease. These conditions can stem from a poor diet or bacteria and plaque traveling in the bloodstream.

Let your dentist take the time to examine your child. They will provide you with helpful information on practicing preventive dentistry from home. Follow up on those instructions and watch them pay off as your child grows into adulthood.

For more information on preventive dentistry, visit Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at our office in Falls Church, Virginia. You can call (703) 534-6226 today to schedule an appointment.