Children in Ireland are Visiting the Dentist Too Late, Warn Dental Experts

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Children in Ireland are visiting the dentist for their first appointment too late, dentists have warned.

Representatives from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland believe that parents are waiting too long to take their child to the dentist for the first time. Speaking at a conference in Dublin, Dr John Walsh, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, explained that the average age for a first dental visit is eight years old. This is despite advice from dentists that suggests parents take children for regular check-ups from the age of 12 months old.

Dr Walsh suggested that waiting too long increases the risk of dental health problems. There is also a worry that children will experience fear of going to the dentist if they don’t get used to it at an early age. If children go to the dentist when their eight, there’s a high risk of dentists spotting issues such as cavities and signs of severe decay.

Dental health problems can have far-ranging implications for young children. Decay often causes toothache and this can force kids to take time off school. Time out of the classroom can affect their performance at school. Many children who have dental issues also suffer from a lack of self-confidence. Poor dental health can also affect the ability to eat, which may restrict a child’s diet.

Dr Walsh has urged patients to prioritise oral health and to make sure children see a dentist on a regular basis from a much earlier age. The earlier children start attending routine check-ups, the lower the risk of childhood decay and associated complications. Getting children used to the sights and sounds of the surgery can also help to reduce the risk of anxiety further down the line.

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