By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: August 27, 2019
When you have a new baby in your life, your baby’s dental care is probably the last thing on your mind. Sadly, if you delay thinking about your child’s dental health for very long, he or she may end up with severe dental problems as time goes on.
The fact that baby teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth does not mean that they can be neglected without lasting consequences. Dental decay is actually incredibly prevalent among children, with cavities often working their way through baby teeth within just a few months. Improper care can lead to decay that may cause toothaches and the early loss of these teeth or invasive dental treatments. Teeth also may not grow in properly, which can cause orthodontic problems that could last for life or require expensive treatments later on. If you child has problems like these, they may have speech problems, difficulty eating and concentrating, and pain from toothaches.
A pediatric dentist can teach you and your child how to prevent and deal with many of these issues before they ruin your child’s smile. First, from as early as your baby’s first birthday, the dentist will be able to give you tips on caring for his or her teeth as they come in. Some of the things the dentist may make you aware of include not letting the baby fall asleep with a bottle and switching from a bottle to a cup as early as possible. As your child gets older, the dentist can teach him or her proper dental care habits and provide preventative treatments like dental sealants. If there are dental problems later on, the dentist can use orthodontics and treatments like root canal to save teeth and improve your child’s smile.
Make sure your baby gets proper care from a dentist in Las Vegas, NV who provides pediatric dentistry. Visit our office this week to find out more about how we can protect your child’s teeth.