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February is National Children's Dental Health Month. It is an annual month-long event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children.

Pediatric dental health refers to the health of a child's teeth, gums, and mouth. It also covers how diet impacts oral health and overall wellness. Having a healthy child can help ensure they will develop good dental hygiene habits into adulthood.

Dentists recommend scheduling your child's first dentist appointment by their first birthday. This first visit will orient you to the dental office and staff. It will allow your dentist to acclimate your child to the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of being in the dentist's office. This can help them feel more comfortable with future appointments. It will also give the dentist an opportunity to assess their oral health and determine if there are any problems or concerns.

It is important for your children to develop excellent oral hygiene habits early so they can avoid cavities and other tooth decay issues. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Scheduling regular checkups every six months will help to catch any issues early on while they are still easily treatable. This will make treatment less expensive and ensure they do not experience unnecessary discomfort from advanced decay.

Many parents may be surprised to learn that babies also have teeth that develop within their mouths before birth. However, most baby teeth don't start to erupt through the gums until around age six to 10 months. Baby teeth are important to a child's health because they help adult teeth grow straight. They also aid in chewing food for proper digestion. The most common types of dental problems among young children include cavities, abscesses, thrush, and other infections. 

How To Prepare My Child for First Dental Appointment?

Prior to your child's first dental visit, talk to them about the experience. The best way to do that is to frame it as a fun adventure rather than an obligation. Consider having your child choose a new toothbrush or toothpaste to use after the appointment to celebrate their new smile!

If your child has a specific fear, feel free to discuss it with our team in advance so that we can make any necessary accommodations to help your child feel safe and relaxed. Bringing your child's favorite stuffed animal or blanket can also help calm any nerves they have.

Schedule an appointment with Modesto Kidz Dental to make sure your child is in optimal dental health. We are at Bldg B, 2801 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355. Contact us at (209) 578-3131. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!