Getting your child comfortable with dental visits at an early age is so important. Building rapport with a dental team and learning about the proper way to care for their oral health can have a great impact in the future.
But at what age should children begin going to the dentist? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should see the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth — whichever comes first.
What to Expect At Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Not sure what to expect on your child’s first visit? While the exact expectations can vary from dentist to dentist, there are generally a few things that will take place.
First, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth. The number of teeth they have does not matter as the dentist is looking for any areas of concern with the teeth and gums. They are also examining the full mouth, as well as the neck and jaw structure because they don’t just focus on oral health, but on development, too.
If your child has teeth, they may have a gentle professional cleaning. Otherwise, the dentist may discuss any concerns with you and answer any questions you may have. Communication is key and this is a great time to begin building a level of trust.
The Importance of Early Dental Care
Visiting the dentist early and routinely can allow your child to benefit from preventative treatment. For instance, when the dentist has an opportunity to monitor your child's oral health and growth, they can prevent certain unwanted issues from developing more and address any concerns before they get worse, such as cavities, toothaches, and infections.
Early dental care also presents young patients with a chance to get more comfortable with the dental staff, as well as the sights, sounds, and overall experience. The more familiar they are with these visits, the more likely they are to take their oral health seriously as they grow older.
What’s more, this is a time for educating parents on proper oral hygiene techniques so that they may set their young child up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a 2-year-old to have cavities?
Believe it or not, cavities in very young children are quite common with nearly a third of kids between two and five years of age struggling with tooth decay.
When should my child start using toothpaste?
A small grain-of-rice size amount of kid-friendly, fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as baby teeth start to come in. This is a good habit to get into and will help protect your little one from cavities.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Child’s Dentist
The dental team at Marigold Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics understands the importance of being seen by the dentist early. If it is time for your child to come in for a first visit, we are here to warmly welcome you to our practice.
Contact us at 973-821-7161 to schedule an appointment. Or, request an appointment online.