Why should I take my child to the dentist?

Good oral health is about more than just having a beautiful smile. It is about preventing cavities, maintaining a healthy mouth and safeguarding overall well-being from childhood onward. Dental caries (cavities) is the number one chronic infectious disease in children, affecting them four times more frequently than asthma. 

We met with Maria Jose Cervantes Mendez, DDS, MS, FAAPD, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Developmental Dentistry at UT Dentistry, to discuss the symptoms and impact cavities have

“Why should I take my child to the dentist?”

Watch Cervantes’ Ask the Dentist video to learn more about the consequences of untreated cavities in children.

Symptoms of untreated cavities: 

• Pain
• Infection
• Swelling

In children, the impact of untreated cavities goes beyond oral health. Dental pain can interfere with a child's ability to grow and develop. 

Impact of cavities: 

• Not able to eat, sleep or concentrate
• Lowers academic performance
• Negatively affects overall health
• Increased number of doctor visits
• Increased medical costs

Avoiding such outcomes begins with regular visits to the dentist, where prevention is the focus.

What to expect at the dentist: 

• Review risks and prevention tips
• Discuss good dental habits
• Address questions or concerns
• Create a custom treatment plan

By addressing risk factors and providing customized advice tailored to a child's age or the needs of an adult patient, dental providers at UT Dentistry ensure that families leave each visit with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain lifelong oral health.

Care you can trust

Our expert team at UT Dentistry’s Pediatric Dental Clinic is dedicated to making every visit fun and educational, ensuring early detection of cavities and teeth misalignment and providing valuable tips on good oral health habits and cavity prevention. 

To request an appointment at the Pediatric Dental Clinic, visit UTDentistry.org/Pediatrics or call (210) 450-3500.