While many people wait to visit the dentist until something happens, it's a better idea to be proactive, seeking preventative treatment as well as restorative treatments. Children, even those without teeth yet, are also prone to develop problems if their oral hygiene is not adequate. If you have a young child, check out these three benefits of taking them to the dentist as soon as possible.

1. It Teaches Your Child to Feel Comfortable at the Dentist 

A lot of people have anxiety about going to the dentist. In fact, many Americans allow their oral health to decline by avoiding regular cleanings and dental treatments. You can prevent this from happening in your child by establishing regular dental visits early. If you wait until your child is older, they may fear visiting the dentist, especially if they have to go for something they consider scary like getting a filling. These early visits are a safe way to get your child comfortable with the dentist without exposing them to many dental procedures. During this time, your dentist can also get to know your child and their unique smile and overall oral health.

2. Dentists Can Ensure Baby Teeth Stay Healthy

One of the perks of regular dental exams is it helps keep baby teeth healthy. While it may not seem important to keep baby teeth particularly healthy, it actually is for many reasons. For starters, baby teeth are just as important for talking and chewing. If your child has pain from a cavity, chipped tooth, etc. they may not be able to speak and chew properly, which could cause long-term problems, such as speech impediments, misaligned bite, etc. However, the baby teeth also act as placeholders for permanent teeth. Permanent teeth follow the path left by baby teeth, but if your child loses teeth too early, that path may be lost, causing permanent teeth to become crooked.

3. Treatment for More Complex Problems Can Begin Early

In some cases, no matter how hard you work to keep your child's smile healthy, problems arise. Due to genetics, oral hygiene mistakes, etc. your child may develop problems with their permanent teeth. In many cases, the dentist can predict these before your child loses their baby teeth. For example, if the baby teeth are crooked, the dentist may assume the permanent teeth will need to be corrected. This can allow you to begin treatment earlier, correcting issues before they worsen or even appear.

Oral health is important for everyone, and regular dental visits are a part of taking care of your smile. If your child hasn't been to the dentist yet, you should consider scheduling their first visit. For more information about how to care for your child's mouth, contact a pediatric dentistry office in your area today.