Teeth and stuff seem a long way off, your little one with that adorable gummy smile is just a baby. Wondering when those ‘ahhs’ and ‘awws’ will turn into ‘uh-oh, something is wrong with their teeth’?
Before, this happens, it is essential to take care of those tiny teeth from the moment they erupt. It means you start taking your kid to a pediatric dentist as early as possible.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the first visit of your little one to the dentist is near their first birthday. It may sound a little premature, but makes a vast difference.
The early checkup at Toni Chen allow your pediatric dentist to take a good look at how your kid’s teeth are developing. They can correct potential problems before it becomes a big deal.
Now, there are some signs that make you think, it is time for a dental visit sooner rather than later.
- If your kiddo is being fussy when eating or are touching their mouth a lot indicates possible pain in their mouth, it is a red flag. Or they may just get grumpy because pain is never fun, so it is best to get it checked out.
- Cavities are visible problems. Plus, there are also things like chipped teeth, discoloration, or spots or weird bumps you may notice. Anything noticeable out of the ordinary means time for a dental visit.
- Bad breathe is another clue that something is not right. Kids must not have stinky breathe. If you notice, it is a sign of something going on in their mouth.
- If they complain about toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold or have trouble chewing, it is a no-brainer – get them to the dentist ASAP.
- Keep an eye on their biting. When you see your child having trouble closing their mouth completely or their tiny teeth look crooked, plan an orthodontist visit.
- Thumb-sucking and pacifier are habits that can badly affect the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw. So, discuss this with your dentist on your next visit. They are capable of helping you and your child wean away the habit smoothly.
- If your child’s jaw makes a popping sound or clicking when they chew, it is not normal. It means their jaw is not lined up right or they may be developing a TMJ disorder. Best is to let the dentist take a look. The dentist can recommend braces to correct bit issue but for TMJ there may a need for lifestyle changes.
- If you notice your kid is grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw more often, it is worth telling your dentist. Ignoring this can possibly wear down their teeth and cause pain.
- Healthy gums should look pink and firm. If they are red, puffy or bleed when you brush, it can be a sign of gum trouble. Time for dentist checkup!
Remember, early intervention and prevention is important. Therefore never miss their regular checkup at the dental care. Catching dental issues early on allows correcting it before they manifest.
The sooner you get your little one accustomed to the dentist, the better. It will make things a lot easier in the long run.