Taking your child to the dentist soon after their first teeth appear can set them on a path of lifelong dental health, reduce anxiety, and save money by addressing issues early before they become costly problems.
By seeing Dr. Thomas Pham within six months of your child’s first baby tooth appearing, you can catch and correct early signs of decay, gum issues, a misaligned bite, or spacing concerns to ensure healthy development as they grow.
“At Pham Family Dentistry, we provide a super-friendly environment,” says Dr. Pham. “Mom can sit in the dental chair while holding the baby so that we are able to gently check their teeth in the comfort of Mom’s arms. We focus on introducing our young patients to the colors and sounds of the office – artfully designed for relaxation and warmth – so that they feel comfortable and safe from the very beginning. This will go far in imprinting into the young minds a healthy enjoyment of dental health care unlike the traditional traumatizing visits.
“Furthermore, education for parents is a key component to a child’s oral health at this stage!” says Dr. Pham as he demonstrates the best brushing techniques and how to use a cloth for cleaning to keep those first teeth healthy.
Occasionally, a child may show signs of a narrowed arch, which is the shape formed by the rows of teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
Ideally, the dental arch has a gentle curve that allows teeth to align properly. When a child’s arch is too narrow, the limited space can lead to crowding, misalignment, and even breathing problems leading to symptoms of fatigue and affecting everyday activities.
Catching this early on can help guide jaw development and prevent more extensive and expensive treatments as the child grows.
During the toddler years, visits to the dentist can occur just once each year. However, as permanent teeth begin to develop around the age of six, seeing the dentist more frequently becomes even more important.
“At age five or six, children’s mouths are changing rapidly as they start to get their first set of permanent teeth,” Dr. Pham explains. “Regular checkups allow us to monitor their development, prevent decay, and assess their bite and jaw growth. By staying on top of these changes, we can often guide the growth rather than make painful corrections down the road.
“Being proactive can help make future treatments easier and less costly,” Dr. Pham adds. “In fact, early interventions are usually about half the cost of full treatments later on, and they allow us to set children up for success from the start.”
If you and your little ones are ready to take the next step towards a healthy lifelong dental journey, visit phamdentistrymtsi.com to learn more, or call the clinic today to schedule a consultation.
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