When should your child go to the pediatric dentist for the first time? Many parents don’t know that babies and young children can and do get cavities. As soon as your child gets a tooth, it can start to get sick. This is why it is important to take your baby to the dentist when he or she gets their first tooth. In fact, the CDC says that you should take your child to the dentist by their first birthday, even if they still need to get teeth.
When Should You Take Your Child for Their First Dental Visit?
Seeing a tooth means it’s time. Yes, it would be best to take your child to the pediatric dentist as soon as they get their first tooth. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) says this usually happens when a child is about six months old. No matter when your child’s first tooth comes in, don’t put off making an appointment until after their first birthday. Also, make an appointment right away if you see anything strange in your child’s mouth, like white spots, sores, bleeding, etc.
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What Happens during a Baby's First Trip to the Pediatric Dentist?
Most people’s first visits to the dentist are quick and easy by design. Your baby will meet the dentist, who will count his teeth and look at his gums, lips, tongue, and inside of his cheeks. Most pediatric dentists want a parent to stay in the room with their child while the dentist checks their mouth.
Your pediatric dentist will also talk to you about teething and your family’s dental history, as well as oral hygiene, pacifier use, and eating and sleeping habits. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you have about your toddler’s teething, thumb-sucking, tooth-friendly foods, and anything else that has to do with their oral health. The dentist will also look at your child’s bite and let you know when your next appointment should be. You should also write down your questions and bring them to the appointment so you can ask them when the dentist is paying attention to you.
How Often Should You Go to the Pediatric Dentist?
Your pediatric dentist will tell you when to come back based on how his or her teeth look. Most experts say that toddlers should visit the dentist about once every six months if there are no big problems. So, remember to make your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!
Also Read: Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Protect Your Kids' Teeth at Home
Here are some ways to keep your kids’ teeth healthy:
- Clean the gums with a damp cloth before the teeth come in.
- When your child’s first tooth comes in, brush it with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). After age 3, use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, about the size of a pea, when a child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing his or her teeth.
- Avoid tooth decay caused by baby bottles. Don’t put a child to bed or nap with a bottle of milk, juice, or another sweetened liquid.
- You should limit how long your baby has a bottle. Your child should be able to finish a bottle in at most 5 to 6 minutes.
- Help your child brush his or her teeth until he or she is about 7 or 8 years old. Have the child watch you brush, and try to brush the same way, so you don’t miss any spots.
- Cut back on foods and treats that are bad for your teeth. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and drinks and juices with added sugar. Give fruit instead of juice. The fibre in fruit helps clean teeth by scrubbing them. Juice lets sugar get into the teeth.
Some parents make the mistake of thinking that their child is too young to have serious problems with their teeth. But if you don’t take your child to the pediatric dentist early on, it could hurt his or her health for years to come. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to make an appointment with a respectable pediatric dentist. Contact us right away if you want to know more.
