Why It’s Important for Children to Go to the Dentist Dental care starts the day your baby is born. Before teeth emerge, the gums need to be gently swabbed with a soft, damp cloth once a day. Once the teeth begin to grow it’s up to the parent to gently brush those tiny new teeth. Eventually, you teach your child to brush their own teeth and to develop good oral care habits. The American Dental Association recommends that children brush their teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. They should also learn to floss, rinse with mouthwash to reduce bacteria and see the dentist twice a year. Going to the dentist is essential. Cavities, gum disease, and bacteria can cause long-term illness, loss of teeth, and social challenges. Not to mention the fact that cavities, mouth infections, and gum disease hurt. Periodontitis, aka gum disease, has been linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. National studies have shown that preschool-aged children are getting more cavities. More than one in four children in the United States has had at least one cavity by the age of four. Many kids get cavities as early as age two. The solution is to get your child to the dentist early. The best time to start is when your child turns one year old. There are many steps to take before you make the appointment. First you’ll want to research and choose the best dentist available in your community. You’ll also want to review their payment options if you don’t have dental insurance.
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