Specialized care from early on is the key to a healthy dentition, especially when appropriate esthetics and function are important. Pediatric dentistry is an area of dentistry that studies and promotes children’s oral health and whose main objective is the maintenance of a healthy dentition from the time a child gets their first tooth until they reach adulthood. Children cannot be considered small adults, so they need specific and appropriate care through each stage of their developmental approach. From the time when the first teeth erupt, it is important to raise awareness among parents for the proper oral hygiene of children. The first tooth shows itself between a year and two and a half years of age. When it does decide to erupt, you should schedule a visit with your local Pediatric Dentistry St George UT. He or she will not only assess your child’s teeth and gums, but teach you and your child the proper way to maintain a healthy mouth.
One of the most common issues dentists see during the first few visits pertains to overuse of a pacifier or constant thumb-sucking. Many infants still suck on a bottle after they are done, and some will take to a pacifier right after eating. This should disappear before the age of 6 months. However, there are numerous kids who are sucking on a pacifier or thumb until they reach kindergarten (and sometimes beyond). Over time, scientific evidence has clarified that sucking on a thumb or pacifier beyond 24 months old can have detrimental effects on the oral health of your child.
But, on the other hand, your local Pediatric Dentistry St George UT states that a pacifier reduces the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome and is a very effective analgesic in painful processes. And, in addition, the harmful effects it has on the proper alignment of the teeth are minimal (if used properly). However, to ensure the teeth are put back into the right place, the pacifier should disappear by the time the child reaches three years of age. It is estimated that to decrease possible malformations, it is necessary to try to wean your child off the bottle or pacifier by the age of 18 months. For more information, Browse Site or contact your local dentist.
