It is important to teach your child strong dental care habits, but you may not understand the extent of the service you are doing for your child by teaching them the importance of maintaining proper oral health. Good dental health in children is a significant indicator of their overall future well-being. Establishing the habits of good oral hygiene in your child from a young age helps to not only ensure a beautiful smile but can promote a lifetime of overall health.
Healthy Baby Teeth Promote Healthy Adult Teeth
By maintaining your child’s baby teeth, you’re laying the foundation for healthy adult teeth. Baby teeth that are lost early due to decay can cause complications for incoming permanent teeth, like crowding. Crooked, crowded teeth as a result of avoidable decay can result in later expenses such as orthodontics.
The decay of baby teeth can also make it more likely that your child’s adult teeth will be subject to dental health complications.
By teaching your child healthy eating habits from a young age, you’re setting the stage for continued responsible behavior in their later life. A healthy diet is crucial in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:
• Maintaining your child’s dental health and preventing decay while building strong teeth.
• Promoting healthy bacteria in your child’s body to bolster their immune system and ward off illnesses of the mouth and entire body.
Healthy Smiles Promote Self-Esteem
Childhood is a vital stage for self-esteem development. A beautiful smile can help in promoting your child’s well-being and their desire to speak and smile often. By maintaining your child’s oral health from a young age, you can help encourage your child’s confidence in taking care of their smile as they get older.
Early Dentist Visits Promote a Good Relationship with Oral Health
You’re doing your child a huge favor by starting their dental visits at the time their first primary (baby tooth) appears. Regular visits to the dentist starting at an early age not only allows for the proper detection of any early signs of decay but also helps to normalize the experience of dental healthcare and establish its importance for the rest of your child’s life.
If your child is ready to begin receiving dental care, contact the office of Dr. Brian Hokanson, DDS., today and set your child on course for a lifelong beautiful smile!