Parents often face a dilemma about when to take their kids to the dentist in Dubai. Should you wait until all their teeth have come in? Or should you only take them to the dentist if there’s an issue with their oral health? When is the right time to start regular visits?
According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should take their children to the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts.
Remember, your child’s dental health is important for their overall well-being. Make it a habit to bring your child to the dentist for regular checkups every six months.
Signs You Need to Take Your Child to the Dentist
Listed below are some of the instances when you should be taking your child to a dentist:
Bleeding, Irritated, or Swollen Gums
Bleeding gums indicate inflammation, which in turn, can lead to serious periodontal issues. Sometimes, gums hurt after brushing or flossing. As for swollen gums, they are caused by the buildup of plaque that leads to tooth loss. Irritated gums are a common sign of gingivitis or some other health care concerns.
Bad Breath
Sometimes, bad breath doesn’t go away no matter how often you brush your teeth. This can often indicate a serious issue like gum disease. If your child has persistent bad breath, it’s best to book an appointment with a pediatric dentist. They can help identify and treat the root of the problem.
Loose or Wiggly Permanent Teeth
While it's normal for baby teeth to become loose and wiggle before falling out, healthy permanent teeth should be firm and stable. If a permanent tooth becomes loose or wiggly, or if your child experiences trauma to the mouth, it's important to schedule an appointment with your child's dentist. Early evaluation can help identify and address any underlying issues, such as injury, infection, or gum disease.
Toothache
A toothache can be a sign of a dental problem requiring professional attention. Don't wait for the pain to disappear completely – schedule an appointment with your child's dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of toothaches can prevent complications and ensure a more comfortable recovery for your child. Remember, tooth pain can have various causes, and even if the discomfort subsides, the underlying issue might persist.
Tooth Loss
While tooth loss is a common experience for both children and adults, replacing missing teeth in children requires a different approach than in adults. Dental implants, the gold standard for replacing missing teeth in adults, are typically not suitable for children. This is because a child's jawbone is still developing until around 16-18 years old, and is not yet dense enough for successful implant placement and long-term stability.
Sensitive Teeth
If cold or hot food items and drinks are causing your child to have dental pain or discomfort, it is a warning sign that your child might have a cavity.
White or Brown Spots on Teeth
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, it is important that you take your child to a pediatric dentist after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday at least. The dentist shall examine the oral structures in the child’s mouth and discuss the best practices for oral hygiene and diet as they grow up.
Taking your child for regular checkups not only helps with early detection of oral health issues but also allows them to become accustomed to the dental environment. This can help reduce anxiety and develop a positive association with dental care from a young age.
In addition to regular checkups, instilling proper oral hygiene habits at a young age is crucial for promoting healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet, regular brushing and flossing, and using appropriate fluoride toothpaste can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Dr. Petros Yuvanoglu
DMD summa cum laude
Cert. Prosthodontics (Tufts, USA)
Adjunct Faculty, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Cert. Prosthodontics (Tufts, USA)
Adjunct Faculty, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
