As a parent, you always want the best for your child. You want them as healthy as they can be, and that includes their teeth. When it comes to dental care, though, you may be wondering when a child should go to the dentist? Some may think that because kids lose their first round of teeth, regular dental visits are more important when their adult teeth start coming in. In reality, dentists don’t just care for teeth, but one’s oral health in general. As such, it’s recommended that starting the routine of seeing a pediatric dental professional should start quite early at Splendid Dental Woodlands.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a dental visit should take place after your child gets their very first tooth. This is because your child is susceptible to having cavities as soon as they have teeth. However, since general oral health is also important to check, a visit to a local pediatric or family dentist should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday, even if they haven’t gotten their first tooth yet.
Early visits to a pediatric dentist encourage a proactive dedication to dental hygiene, which can save you money in the future. A study showed that kids who visit the dentist by the time they turn one have dental costs that are forty percent lower in the first five years than kids who don’t. Additionally, seeing the dentist at an early age helps to make them more comfortable with the environment and prevent them from developing any anxiety over future dental visits.
Your Child’s First Visit To The Dentist
If you were wondering when a child should go to the dentist, you’re probably also curious about what to expect during that first trip. Generally, those first visits are very quick and straightforward. The dentist will gently examine your child’s mouth and inspect their teeth for any signs of decay. They’ll also assess their jaw, gums, and oral tissues, monitoring development, and checking for any potential problems. If deemed necessary, the dentist may perform gentle teeth cleaning for your child’s teeth, but typically this is done when kids are more comfortable in the office.
This first visit is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions or bring up concerns you may have about your child’s oral health. Topics may include anything from proper at-home dental care and feeding practices to finger-sucking or pacifier habits.
In addition to preparing a list of questions, you may also want to come prepared with a favorite toy or some gift if you are concerned about your child getting upset or fussy during this first visit.
Your Child’s Dental Future
That initial trip to the dentist sets the stage for a future of routine dental check-ups. So, beyond that first visit, when should a child go to the dentist? The standard recommendation is for dental visits to be scheduled every six months. As your child gets older, standard teeth cleaning should be expected along with other possible services, such as:
- Fillings and sealants
- Braces and orthodonture
- Fluoride treatments
- Cosmetic dentistry services
Contact Splendid Dental Woodlands For Your Family’s Dental Needs
You want the best for your child, and so do we. With countless services and experienced professionals, Splendid Dental Woodlands is dedicated to caring for your family’s oral health, from your child’s first visit to the variety of services they’ll come in for as they grow. Now that you know when a child should go to the dentist, contact Splendid Dental Woodlands at 713-587-9996 to get on the fast track to great oral health for the whole family.