For an adult, going to the dentist can be uncomfortable, but for a child, it can be downright frightening. However, the importance of visiting the dentist for children is the same as for adults.

Children should visit the dentist early for a variety of reasons:

• Unhealthy diets and a lack of dental care are often to blame for poor oral health. If you don’t visit the dentist regularly, it is difficult to change your poor oral health habits.
• Diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease can all be attributed to poor oral health. 
• The practice should be comfortable for your child, so you and they can both benefit.

The choice of your next family dentist is an important one. Choosing a family dentist can be a challenging process, as your family dentist will be your long-term partner in the care of your oral health. As a starting point, ask yourself the following questions:

• During what hours are the offices open? Do they fit into your schedule?
• Do you have easy access to the clinic from work or home?
• Where did the dentist receive his/her education and training?
• How does your dentist approach preventive dentistry?
• What is the frequency of the dentist’s attendance at conferences and continuing education courses?
• Is the office clean, neat, and orderly? Are all treatment room surfaces and equipment clean?
• Is the dental staff friendly and willing to answer your questions?
• When a patient is being treated, do you observe the dentist and his staff wearing gloves and other protective gear?

When you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

• When a toothache lasts longer than one or two days
• You have difficulty going about your daily activities due to your severe toothache
• Widening your mouth leads to earache, fever, or pain

By recognizing and treating dental infections appropriately, you can prevent dental infections from spreading to other parts of the face, skull, and bloodstream.