Did you know that more than one-half of all children aged 5-9 years have at least one cavity or filling in their smile? If undiagnosed, this can ultimately harm your child, as a painful tooth or chronic dental problem can lead to difficulty in eating, speaking and concentrating.
It is important to understand that children with chronic dental pain may not always tell you what is happening to them. You might only notice that they appear anxious, depressed or tired, and even their teachers may not recognize their pain. Left untreated, dental problems can end up causing many children to miss school.
Our dentists, Dr. Peter Cha and Dr. Danny Dinh, are happy to help you decide how often your child should be seen for dental checkups. We will look at the following to help make this assessment:
— Your child’s eating habits.
— How well your child’s teeth are maintained.
— Any past treatment your child has received and what their current needs are.
— Whether your child drinks fluoridated water.
— Any factors that may indicate susceptibility to oral diseases.
Oral health begins in the home. While children can usually begin brushing their own teeth by the time they are seven years old, they usually need supervising until they are around 10-11 years old. We advise flossing your child’s teeth until they are around ten years old, as flossing is a skill that takes longer to master.
Along with healthy home habits, periodic dental cleanings will help your child achieve healthy, confident smiles for years to come. Please call our Family Smile Center team in Frederick, Maryland at 301.663.9484 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Cha or Dr. Danny Dinh. We know how important your child’s smile is for optimal health!