Visit dentist as soon as babies get their first milk teeth: Doctor explains reasons

From the dental care of little babies who have just lost their milk teeth to that of the elderly who begin to lose teeth, dentists play a pivotal role in the lives of people of all ages. National Dentist Day is celebrated annually on March 6 to honour dentists and their service and raise awareness of oral health. Dr Nandakishore J Varma, a consultant dental surgeon at Bharat Hospital, Kottayam, and Sanjeevani Hospital, Changanassery, explains the importance of raising awareness of oral health among children at a young age on the occasion.  

Dental care should begin as soon as babies grow their first set of teeth. However, most people tend to ignore oral health, which leads to severe dental problems. Parents should make sure to visit a dentist as soon as their children have their first milk teeth. These visits would help the child develop a positive attitude towards the dentist and the clinic, rather than anxiety or fear. Moreover, it is key to consult a dentist every six months to ensure the child’s oral health. 

Prevention better than treatment
Children require nutrition during their growing years. Proper digestion and nutrient absorption occur only when food is properly chewed. Healthy teeth help to tear down food and chew it properly. Children might struggle to chew food properly if they have any dental infections, which can adversely affect the digestive process. Besides, the mouth contains the largest amount of bacteria in one’s body. So, children should be made aware of the significance of oral health at a young age. 

Preventing dental problems is better than treating them. Like any other infection in the body, infections can happen in your teeth and gums, too. So, visiting a dentist at regular intervals will help diagnose infections early and treat them properly.

Care for milk teeth 
There is a common misbelief that milk teeth do not need any care or treatment as they fall off. However, milk teeth too require proper care, as damage to them could affect the growth of the permanent teeth that follow. A dentist during routine visits could anticipate such problems and recommend advanced treatments, such as a root canal, to ensure excellent oral health. Parents can begin gum care even before a child grows the first set of milk teeth. Gums could be wiped with gauze or a clean, soft cloth after every feed. 

A finger brush could be used to gently brush the teeth after the milk teeth emerge in the mouth. Besides, parents should make the child lie on their lap and then inspect their teeth and gums properly to see whether they are in good condition. When the child grows up, parents can turn brushing into happy, cheerful moments that involve the entire family. Such habits would help the child understand the importance of brushing and encourage them to make it a daily habit.