As a pediatric dentist in St. Louis Park, MN, we recognize the important role dentists play in meeting a child’s healthcare needs during their developmental years. Here’s why we think it’s important to start investing in your child’s oral healthcare as early as age one!
When to Start Visiting a Pediatric Dentist in St. Louis Park, MN
Typically, teeth come in for littles between 6 and 12 months. We typically see patients starting around one year of age to start developing healthy dental routines. This also encourages them to be more confident at the dentist! We know that having a stranger place strange tools in their mouths can feel scary at first, but with gentle dental practices, we’ll help them feel safe and secure taking care of their oral health.
When to Start Brushing Your Children’s Teeth
As soon your child’s first tooth emerges, you should start brushing their teeth to maintain good oral health. To do this properly, here are some tips:
- Use a soft toothbrush made for littles
- Supervise and help with teeth brushing until they are older (6-7 years of age)
- Schedule their first pediatric dentist visit early (around 1 year of age)
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
It’s a common misconception that because we lose our baby teeth, they’re not that important. Baby teeth actually play a vital role in your child’s development, as they:
- Help your little one with speech clarity
- Encourage proper chewing and nutrition
- Are placeholders for future adult teeth
- Keep their jaws and teeth in alignment for the future
- Contribute to their ability to smile, affecting their self-esteem and confidence
When you make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy, it sets the stage for good oral health as they get older.
Important Preventative and Cosmetic Dentistry for Kids
If your child has diabetes or a congenital heart defect, they may be more prone to cavities than other children. Ensuring that kids visit the dentist regularly will help keep cavities and other oral health side effects from these diseases in check. In addition, we can perform diagnostic testing to help see your child’s bite pattern. Catching misaligned teeth early can help prevent dental pain and teeth grinding later down the road.
Hear more about what Krengel Dental is like for family and pediatric dental care from one of our patients:
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Pediatric Dentist in St. Louis Park, MN and Bloomington, MN
If you are looking for a new pediatric dentist in St. Louis Park, MN or Bloomington, MN we would love to work with you and your family! You can make an appointment online at one of our dental locations and we’d be happy to get you started on your family’s journey to a healthy, beautiful smile!
