February is well-known for sweet treats and thoughtful gifts as you show your affection for your loved ones, but did you know it’s an important month for another reason? The American Dental Association has dedicated it as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The monthlong celebration raises awareness about the importance of children’s dental health. Besides caring for their smile at home and seeing their dentist regularly, a visit to an orthodontist in Greenfield is equally essential. With the right care at home and in-office, you can ensure your child’s smile has a healthy foundation.
What is National Children’s Dental Health Month?
Your child’s teeth can last for a lifetime with the right care from the start, even before they begin to lose their primary teeth. Although the baby teeth eventually fall out, they serve an important role while they are in place. They allow your child to learn the necessary functions for chewing and speaking. They also act as placeholders for their adult teeth.
If their teeth are damaged or poorly positioned, it can impact their dental health and their development. National Children’s Dental Health Month focuses on raising awareness regarding the importance of routine dental care. Regular visits allow their oral health and development to be monitored. As a result, potential concerns are detected sooner for prompt intervention.
What dental care does my child need?
You can ensure your child’s smile has everything it needs to thrive by sticking to a few oral health habits over the years. Besides brushing and flossing at home, your child should see their dentist for a preventive visit before their first birthday. They should continue to see their dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups, which ensures their teeth stay strong and healthy.
They should also visit an orthodontist for a consultation around the age of 6. This allows their orthodontist to check the positioning of your child’s teeth, even those that haven’t erupted yet. They will also check their bite to ensure there aren’t any complications that can affect their development, like an open bite. If necessary, they will undergo Phase 1 orthodontics to correct the issues before they worsen.
As your child grows, they should continue to maintain a relationship with their orthodontist. As a result, their orthodontist can focus on aesthetic concerns as they enter their teen years to create an attractive smile.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
Your child’s dental team is influential in their oral health and development. With the right oral hygiene habits at home and the right team of dental professionals behind them, you can invest in your child’s smile.
About DeMaio Orthodontics
Dr. DeMaio has over 16 years of experience treating patients of all ages using the latest solutions in orthodontics. He creates the customized treatment plans young children need to achieve their best smiles. He combines his training and experience with the latest innovations in dentistry to improve the function, appearance, and health of his patients’ smiles. If it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic consultation, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.