When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears and no later than his/her first birthday.
Why do I need to
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears and no later than his/her first birthday.
Why do I need to take my child to the dentist so early?
Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the child visits the dentist, the better.
Taking a look before the child’s first birthday is the perfect chance for the dentist to see how the mouth and teeth are developing. The dental team can give advice on how to prevent early childhood tooth decay, how to handle teething, and what to do about thumb sucking and pacifier use.
What will happen at the first dental visit?
The first dental visit will help to educate the parent about how to adopt good dental habits for the child. It is best to make the appointment early in the day when the child is alert and refreshed. The parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the first exam. This is called a ‘lap exam” and is used until the child is old enough to sit in the dental chair alone.
The dentist will examine the teeth and gums and will do a gentle cleaning. X-rays may be taken depending on the needs seen by the dentist. You will be shown how to brush and clean your child’s mouth, and the dental team will discuss diet and nutrition. Fluoride needs will also be evaluated.
The dentist will be able to answer questions you may have and will make you and your child comfortable during the first visit.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. They help your child speak clearly and chew better, and they hold space for the adult “permanent” teeth. Cavities that are ignored in the baby teeth can lead to problems in the development of adult teeth.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Children should visit their dentist every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
Are thumb sucking and pacifiers bad for my child’s teeth?
Thumb- and pacifier-sucking habits usually become a problem only if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3, this habit can affect the permanent teeth. If you