Did you know, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?
In an effort to keep your children healthy (and you, too!), Bradford Family Dentistry is covering when and why your family’s dental check-ups need to be scheduled.
Does Appointment Frequency Matter?
The answer is, yes! Children should get a dental cleaning every six months. While adults don’t necessarily need to follow the same timeline, it’s recommended more often than not.
According to the World Health Organization, over 70 percent of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The rates only increase with age. Nearly 90 percent of adults over 50 are said to struggle with gum disease. Those are incredible statistics to fight against!
Simply put, the best defense in battling gum disease as well as tooth decay is regular dental cleanings and checkups. That means a dental visit every six months.
For more information on how gum disease can adversely affect your life, check out this eHealth article.
Insider tip: floss, floss, floss!
You’ve heard it before, and you’re about to hear it again!
Regular flossing, brushing, and cleanings are your best bet for limiting cavities and gum disease! Did you know that 70% of the bacteria in your mouth sits between your gums?
So now that we understand the importance of regular dental cleanings and flossing, below are more specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should My Child First Go to the Dentist?
New parents frequently ask when it’s appropriate to bring their young children into the dentist for the first time. At Bradford Family Dentistry, we recommend your child comes into the office as soon as their first tooth comes in!
While it may seem premature, the appointment will be valuable. Our Bradford staff will go over best practices for brushing your infant’s teeth, as well as the recommended products to use while doing so.
PLUS, your baby will become acquainted with the smells, staff, dental chairs, and sights of our office! This is simply the best step for preventative dental care.
When Should My Child be Assessed for Braces?
Usually, we recommend that your child be seen by an orthodontist, for an initial assessment, between ages six and seven. If caught early, most tooth crowding can be corrected and that means your future orthodontic treatment may be lower.
Healthy = Happy Mouth
A healthy mouth is a happy mouth. NOW is the time to develop healthy habits! Fight against gum disease and tooth decay by scheduling your appointment today.
~Dr. Chai (a.k.a. Dr. Tooth!)
