Parents always want to go above and beyond for their kids, setting them up for success in life. Starting early, you will want to make sure your plans include a visit to the pediatric dentist. After all, having good oral hygiene can lead to healthy teeth and gums and good oral health for a lifetime.
But at what age is a dental visit necessary? This article explores when your child should have their first pediatric visit and why it is so important.
When Should a Child Begin Going to the Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are trained to treat the youngest of patients and introduce them to the world of oral health. According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should have their first dental visit by their first birthday — or within 6 months of their first tooth, whichever comes first.
It does not matter how many teeth your child has or if any teeth have erupted at all, the timeline for taking your child to the dentist is specific for a reason. For example, the dentist can teach you how to care for your child’s teeth or review potential causes of the delay if none have erupted. Either way, attention to your child’s oral health is important.
Routine visits should follow every six months.
Advantages of Early Dental Visits
When you start taking your child to the dentist early, they can benefit in so many ways. And you can, too. Pediatric dentists are excellent at educating parents on implementing a successful oral hygiene routine at home.
A few additional advantages of these visits include:
- Becoming familiar with the sights, sounds, and staff
- The prevention of decay — and ultimately, cavities
- Growth and development monitoring, taking action if needed
- Getting the child comfortable with the routine of visiting the dentist
Dental Health Concerns in Young Patients
Many parents believe the misconception that young children aren’t at risk for oral health issues. After all, their teeth are new — how can something go wrong already?
Truth is, decay is perhaps the most common oral health issue that kids face. Without treatment, it can lead to even bigger problems, including:
- Toothaches and pain
- Cavities
- Infections
- Tooth loss
By getting your child established with the dentist early and maintaining routine visits, you can stop these dental health concerns before they escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child see the dentist?
It is recommended that your child see the dentist every six months for routine care.
What happens if my child doesn’t have teeth by their first birthday?
You should visit the dentist by your child’s first birthday, whether they have any teeth or not. At this time, the pediatric dentist can thoroughly examine your child to uncover the delay.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Is it time for your child to see the dentist? We understand that first visits can always be a bit scary. The biggest step is making the appointment. The friendly staff of Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics will answer any questions you have and will get your child set up to meet the dentist at a time that fits your schedule. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one to our office.
Give us a call at 631-928-8585 to book your appointment at one of our convenient locations.
