Knowing when your child should go to the dentist can prevent many dental problems. Your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist is as important for the parent as it is for the child. During this first visit, parents can learn how to properly care for their child’s teeth and the best techniques for brushing and flossing. Furthermore, when practiced correctly, a parent can help instill lasting oral hygiene habits in their child.
For answers about your child’s dental health, contact Lovett Dental Webster today at 832-932-5584.
Lifelong Oral Health
Providing a child with proper oral care early on in life can set them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. As a result, a child’s first dental visit is so important. The earlier you take your child to the dentist for the first time, the better.
Many children do not go to the dentist until they are far older than two years old. Based on both dental and medical professionals’ recommendations, parents should take their children to the dentist much earlier than that.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child visit the dentist no later than their first birthday. Ideally, a dentist will assess a child within six months of the first tooth erupting from the mouth. Generally, a child’s first primary tooth will begin growing at around six months of age.
Beginning at birth and lasting through their teenage years, children have unique dental needs. Because a child’s mouth is quickly growing and teeth are constantly changing, checkups should happen regularly. A child should return to the dentist at recurring six-month intervals. This habit will ensure that their teeth continue to develop appropriately.
The Importance of Primary Teeth for a Child
Primary teeth and overall gum health are vital for children’s health for a variety of reasons. For instance, a child needs to visit the dentist as soon as possible to ensure proper development. It is tremendously crucial for babies to keep their primary teeth in place for their duration and lose them naturally. Primary teeth aid a baby in chewing correctly and maintaining proper nutrition. They also help with a child’s speech development and influence how a child’s permanent teeth will come in when they get older.
Our pediatric dentistry services at Lovett Dental Webster dedicate themselves to taking preventive care measures early on in life and finding potential problems as soon as they arrive. We aim to give your child the most professional care and make their first visit a successful one.
Easing the First Visit Jitters
Begin taking your child to the dentist before they can even say their first word. The chances are they will be much calmer about going to the dentist later on in life. If you wait until your child is over two years old when you first take them, they are more likely to have anxiety during even their routine dental visits.
The dentist may have to use sharp instruments or loud tools during the visit. These factors can intensify a child’s concerns and cause them to be afraid to visit the dentist. To ease your child’s worry, talk to them beforehand.
There are many helpful resources and activities available online for helping a child learn about their teeth. Playing dentist and patient with your child or taking your child to the next dental appointment of your own can be two other helpful techniques to ease tension.
Lovett Dental Webster provides many services for your whole family, including:
- Teeth cleaning and dental exam
- Oral surgery
- Dental braces
- Sedation dentistry
- Periodontics
Create the stepping stones for lifelong oral health by scheduling an appointment for your baby. Give our caring, professional team at Lovett Dental Webster a call at 832-932-5584 or contact us online today.
