Oral care at an early age is an essential part of a happy and healthy childhood.
Ensuring your child receives the dental care they need from the start provides a solid foundation for lasting health and a positive relationship between your child and dental care. As a parent, you can foster this mentality by starting with your child’s first visit to the dentist.
When Is the Right Time for a Child’s First Visit?
Your child should see the dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges. If teeth have not emerged by the first birthday, you should bring your child in at that time. While there may not be any issues, it is still time for a dentist to take a look.
In general, you can expect your child’s first tooth to emerge around five to seven months of age. You should consider looking into pediatric dentists in your area ahead of time to ensure you are choosing the right dentist to meet your child’s needs.
Your Child’s Development
One of the most important reasons to start seeing a pediatric dentist at an early age is to monitor your child’s development and provide early intervention as needed. After their first appointment, your child should have a routine exam and teeth cleaning if he or she is able to tolerate it. If your child only succeeds with the exam, your dentist and the dental team will provide you with oral home care education, which should help increase your child’s confidence at their next dental visit in six months.
Early dental monitoring can help your child avoid future treatments. As your child develops, ensuring good oral home care techniques and monitoring proper eruption of teeth will have a significant impact on their oral health for years to come. Continued dental education is also a key element.
Answering Your Questions on Oral Hygiene and Development
During your first visit and beyond, your pediatric dentist will provide reliable information and sound advice about your child’s oral health. A pediatric dentist can provide everything you need to know about caring for your child’s teeth at home and many other details vital to their health and happiness.
Planning Your Child’s First Visit
At Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lisa M. Cherry and her team will be happy to help plan your child’s first visit. Your child will receive gentle care in a welcoming environment. You can ask any questions you might have and obtain professional advice for any of your child’s dental needs.