03 Nov When Should Your Child See the Dentist for the First Time?
A common question amongst new parents is when is the right time for your child to see the dentist for the first time? Oral health is incredibly important and unfortunately, many people suffer from dental anxiety. It is crucial to start exposing your child to the dentist as soon as possible to reinforce their visit as a positive experience. The earlier the exposure for your child, the better, as it will help them become more comfortable with their dental visits in the future and will help encourage them to maintain good oral health.
When Should My Child See the Dentist for the First Time: How Soon is Too Soon?
The easy answer to this question is that you should take your child for their first visit to the dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday. Initial visits to the dentist are all about reinforcing positive experiences and educating parents on how to care for baby’s teeth. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine with your child at an early age will help combat tooth decay, which affects nearly 1 in 5 children under the age of 5.
Prevention is key in young children, especially those between the ages of 6 and 12 as baby teeth begin to give way to permanent teeth.
What to Expect During the First Visit
During your first visit to the dentist with your child, you will be in the room with them. If they are squirming or won’t sit still, the dentist might have them sit on your lap to make the experience as comfortable as possible. The dentist will then perform a routine exam, checking for tooth decay and checking your child’s gums, jaws and bite. After this, they will clean your child’s gums and teeth and will give you advice on how to properly care for your child’s mouth.
At the end of the day, the basics are key. Getting your child into a routine of brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing daily and going for dental check-ups regularly will do the most for your child’s smile long-term.