Toluca Lake Dentist Explains How Pediatric Dental Care Affects The Long-Term Dental Health of Children

Written by Dr. McKay on Jan 8, 2013

Although it may sometimes be difficult for a parent to get his or her child to come to the dentist’s office, this exercise is vitally important to ensuring the long-term dental health of the child. The truth is that pediatric dentistry, in many ways, lays the foundation for optimum dental health down the road. Our Toluca Lake dentist office is committed to providing high-level dental care to patients of all ages. Read on to learn more about why we should prioritize dental care for children.

As I’ve said, pediatric dental care lays the foundation for strong teeth and gums down the road. Pediatric dentistry actually works on a number of levels to help your child maintain healthy teeth for years to come…

Establish good habits and behaviors

Primary teeth allow children to learn how to take care of their teeth and gums before they face the responsibility of caring for permanent teeth. You can teach your child to brush and floss effectively from a young age, so that they become comfortable maintaining a regular dental routine.

Make room for permanent teeth


Permanent teeth are able to emerge easily when they directly replace a primary tooth. If your child loses a primary tooth prematurely, their primary teeth may shift around, causing permanent teeth to come in crooked, crowded, or misaligned.

Speak easy

Primary teeth also allow children to learn to speak and enunciate easily and clearly. Missing primary teeth could cause children to develop lisps or speech impediments as they over compensate for the missing teeth.

Children should become comfortable with regular dental hygiene and professional dental cleanings from a young age. To get started with our Toluca Lake dentists, give us a call or schedule your own consultation online! We’re here to help children and their parents maintain healthy, happy smiles.