Are you wondering when is a good time for your child’s first visit to the dentist? Today we’ll be looking at best practices when it comes to young children and their teeth, and how to best insure that their dental health and practices get off to a great start.
Many parents are surprised when they find out at what age a first visit is recommended. Being a parent to a young child can be a chaotic time, and it seems like there are too many things to worry about. Unless a child exhibits a problem with their teeth, it can be tempting to delay a trip to the dentist. As a pediatric dentist, it’s my job to fully communicate with parents about proper dental care, particularly when it comes to their early teeth, and to work with parents to ensure that their child’s dental health is at its best.
Deciding on when to make your child’s first trip to the dentist:
Your child’s first tooth is one of those unforgettable milestones, up there with saying their first words and taking their first steps. It’s a sign that your baby is growing up, and it won’t be long before they able to start biting into things (even things they’re not supposed to!). Unfortunately, many parents don’t understand that the early stages of teeth development are critical for ensuring their dental health throughout their childhood, and even their lifetime.
Most dentists recommend that your child make his or her first visit to a dentist’s office 6 months after their first tooth eruption, or by the time they turn one, which ever comes first. A tooth eruption may sound dangerous, but this is just the technical term for a tooth breaking through the gums. This usually occurs around the six-month mark for most children, so a good rule of thumb for that first visit is around a year old.
I know that for many parents this may seem young, but early dental care is about more than just preventing cavities. Obviously, checking for tooth decay will be a part of that first visit, but a dentist will want to do more than just search for cavities. They will be looking at how the teeth are coming in, if the jaw and bite are properly aligned, and at the overall mouth and gum health.
The simple fact is that many parents don’t place a lot of emphasis on caring for their child’s baby teeth, but this can be a mistake.
Your child’s baby teeth are more important than you realize.
It’s understandable that many people don’t understand the importance of baby teeth. After all, they disappear after a few years only to be replaced by their permanent adult teeth. So what’s the big deal?