Taking your kids to the dentist is something that you need to do consistently. Your kids need regular preventative dental care just like you do. While your kids are young it is the perfect time to establish going to the dentist as part of a normal oral hygiene routine. These early visits to the dentist can help your child develop a positive relationship with the dentist, allow the dentist to catch issues early, and protect the health of your child’s permanent teeth.

Establish good oral hygiene routine

Getting routine dental care is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine. During a routine dental visit your child will have his or her teeth thoroughly cleaned. This is important because plaque can easily build up on your child’s teeth and eventually harden into tartar. Tartar can lead to decay and gum disease if it is not removed regularly. The only way to remove tartar successfully is to have it scraped off. Tartar removal is just one part of the benefits your child will receive from a thorough dental cleaning. When you make getting to the dentist regularly a priority, it can help your child develop the understanding that routine dental visits are an important part of good oral hygiene.

Develop a positive relationship with dentist

Taking your kids to the dentist consistently can help them develop a positive relationship with the dentist. Many people experience fear and anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist – kids and adults alike. Fear of pain or of the unknown often leads people to avoid getting regular dental care. Keeping up with routine dental visits can help your kids develop a good relationship with the dentist and hopefully avoid developing any negative feelings about routine dental care as they grow. A good relationship with a dentist in childhood can help set your kids up for a lifetime of good oral care.

Catch issues early

One of the most important elements of routine dental visits is to look for signs of problems. The dentist will examine the condition of your child’s teeth and gums to determine if there are signs of decay, gum disease, or other potential issues. Catching oral issues early is a way to minimize the amount of dental work your child may need and help your child avoid pain.

Protect the health of permanent teeth

Getting your kids to the dentist consistently can help protect the health of their permanent teeth. Sometimes parents do not worry about keeping up with routine dental care until after a kid’s permanent teeth start coming in. This is a mistake because there are some issues with permanent teeth that can be avoided if caught early on.

Consistently taking your kids to the dentist is a way to teach them about the importance of proper oral care. In the short term, consistent dental visits for your kids are a way to prevent issues and catch potential problems. In the long term, consistent dental visits for your kids can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.