Dental Care Tips From Our Kids Dentistry Office

As a kid's dentist, the largest challenge we face does not come in the form of some rare disease, or in children's special developmental needs. The largest problem, that a kid's dentist faces is the idea that children do not need to visit the dentist on a regular basis until there is a problem. The same parents that are incredibly diligent about visiting the doctor, getting shots, and going in for regular checkups tend to forget that much of your health begins in the mouth. In a recent study, children of or under the age of one were studied. The study found that 89% of children studied had seen a pediatrician in their lifetime, but only 1.5% of these kids had been to see a kid's dentist. This is an alarming statistic, and it contributes to a growing number of cases of childhood decay, also known as pediatric dental disease. We have found that in children between the ages of two and five, decay can be found at a rate of 25%. It jumps to 50%  between the ages of twelve and fifteen; half the children in middle school suffer from pediatric dental disease. This is completely preventable with the right kind of care and early dental visits.

As a kid's dentist, we are able to build on the work we start early in a child's life to ensure that they have fewer problems as they age. Holistic preventative medicine allows your child come in for a quick fifteen minute checkup and cleaning instead of painful, emergency dental treatment. 

Additionally, we have found that parents who chose to spend the money on preventative care tend to spend less in emergency care later on. The ratio of savings is quite significant; parents who spend $1 on preventative care save up to $50 in emergency costs later in the child's life. In addition to the monetary savings, you save time. Each year, school-aged children in the United States miss 2.26 million days of school because they are in the dentist chair for emergency or restorative care. This is a completely avoidable situation. By following the 2-2-2 rule and bringing in your child for early care, you can ensure your child with have comfortable and healthy teeth.

The 2-2-2 rule is simple and should be followed by parents and children alike. Brush your teeth at least two times per day, for a minimum of two minutes each time, and visit your dentist at least two times per year for cleaning and maintenance. Children should begin receiving care before their first birthday or when they receive their first tooth.

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