Many parents are uncertain about whether the child is old enough to see the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that the first visit of an infant should be when the first tooth erupts-at least two years old. From there on the dentist will continue to prescribe the frequency of visits to be observed by the parents.
Which Dentist Should I Go to?
Definitely, a family dentist will help give you a quick rundown of how to care for your child’s teeth and whether there are any urgent problems to be discussed. To take your child to a pediatric dentist, though, is safest.
As many of us learned while growing up that ‘too much sugar will rot your teeth?’ It’s one of parents’ most popular phrases to discourage their children from sucking on candy and sipping all day long sugar juices. And while reducing the consumption of sugar certainly helps avoid tooth decay, helping children develop healthy oral hygiene habits isn’t clearly enough.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects many people from all walks of life. It is estimated that more than 80% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of gingival inflammation or infection and most people are not aware of it. Symptoms can range from mild gum irritation and swelling to serious damage to the gums and even the jaw bones. If not treated, gum disease can worsen and spread, making it vital to practice preventative care and control infections before they become severe.