Children don’t come with user manuals, and unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation regarding children’s oral health on the internet. Your baby’s first dental visit is the perfect opportunity for parents to learn how to properly care for their baby’s teeth.
When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
Many parents don’t schedule their child’s first dental visit until they’re over the age of 3. However, both dental and medical professionals recommend that this first dental visit take place much earlier. This begs the question, “How soon should I take my child to the dentist?” The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist:
Within six months after the first tooth erupts, or
By his/her first birthday.
Even if no teeth have emerged yet, it is still recommended that you bring your child in for a dental checkup no later than their first birthday.
What Happens if You Delay Your Child’s First Dental Visit?
Many parents aren’t aware that babies and toddlers can get cavities, but they can and do. Once that first tooth appears, it can accumulate plaque and begin to decay. Though it may seem early, the first visit is essential to ensure your child isn’t showing signs of gum or tooth decay and ensure teeth are erupting and developing properly. Some common reasons parents delay their baby’s first dental visit include:
Don’t believe baby has enough teeth yet
Believe child’s current dental hygiene routine is adequate
Are afraid or embarrassed of how their child may act in the dental office
While you may think your baby’s teeth look healthy, underlying problems may be present. It is easy to overlook signs of decay if you do not know what to look for, which is why it’s important to schedule a dental checkup for your baby shortly after that first tooth comes in. Also, don’t be embarrassed of your child crying in the office: it happens all the time, and dentists and staff know how to help children calm down and relax!
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important to your child’s development and overall health. Maintaining healthy primary teeth will allow your child to:
Chew properly and receive adequate nutrition from different types of food
Develop proper speech patterns
Delaying your child’s first dental visit can allow problems to develop like:
Ineffective oral hygiene practices
Speech impediments (i.e. lisps)
Tooth infections from untreated tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, more than four times more prevalent than asthma. More than 21% of American children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities. And research suggests that, for each year a past the child’s first birthday they go without being seen by a dentist, his/her chances of developing tooth decay nearly doubles.
What to expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment?
If you are taking your child to the dentist for the first time as an infant, they won’t be apprehensive about the occasion. The doctor will most likely conduct what we call a knee-to-knee exam in order to stabilize your baby during the exam. This technique will help your child feel even more comfortable as they will be laid in your lap as their oral health checkup is completed.
If you are taking a toddler or an older child for their first dental appointment, they may be more nervous and have questions. Some ways you can help prepare them for their appointment include:
Taking turns playing the role of patient and dentist; examine their teeth and let them examine yours. Doing this can help them become comfortable with the idea of a real dental examination.
Telling your child what to expect. Be honest and enthusiastically answer any questions they may have.
Helping your child become familiar with the dental office and see there’s nothing to fear. If possible, you can let them accompany you to your next dental cleaning!
We understand visiting the dentist can be an intimidating experience for both you and your little one and take extra care to make sure your child has fun at his/her dental appointment and is as comfortable as possible. Your child can sit on your lap if they can’t or won’t sit still on their own. Once comfortable, a dentist will:
Examine your child’s teeth and gums for any signs of tooth decay or conditions that may require specialized care
Examine your child’s jaw and bite to diagnose any issues that may affect speech
Discuss the best diet and oral hygiene habits for your child to follow
Show you how to play a role in properly cleaning your baby’s teeth (we know it’s not always easy with those tiny little mouths!)
Answer all of your questions regarding your baby’s teeth and oral development.
If there are signs of early decay, your child’s dentist will be able to work with you to try to reverse that early decay before it develops into a cavity. The sooner you bring your child to the dentist, the better the chances of being able to reverse any tooth decay before it permanently damages your child’s tooth.
If a cavity has already developed, it is important to treat the cavity quickly. Tooth decay in young children is especially aggressive and, when left untreated, can destroy entire teeth and lead to serious infections. Since very young children generally cannot communicate their feelings easily, parents may mistake pain caused by tooth decay for normal teething or other types of pain. Routinely bringing your child to the dentist, can help ensure cavities are diagnosed and treated early so your baby can remain healthy.
How Often Should My Child Go to the Dentist?
Your baby’s first dental visit sets a precedent for their future oral health. After the first visit, your child should have regularly scheduled appointments every 6 months, so their teeth can be cleaned and any dental issues can be caught early.
This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
