When Should a Child Start Going to the Dentist?

Are you wondering if it’s time to take your child to the dentist for the first time? Many new parents are unsure when to start professional dental care for their child. Taking care of your child’s teeth from the very beginning is important for proper development and dental health for their lifetime, so it’s important to get off on the right start.

When should you schedule your child’s first dental appointment? Here’s the ideal timeframe and why it matters.

Make a Dentist Appointment When Your Baby’s First Tooth Comes In Or By The Age Of 1

Most infants start to get teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Some babies will get teeth earlier, and others later. The first tooth to erupt is usually one of the bottom front teeth, followed soon after by the other. The top front teeth are typically next, and then the consecutive teeth on either side of the top and bottom teeth.  As soon as a tooth comes through the gums it is susceptible to decay, so it is important to seek dental care sooner than later.

What To Expect at the First Appointment

Your baby’s first dental visit is typically a consultation and an introduction to Dental Partners and our team. Starting at an early age can help to prevent dental anxiety and fear from developing and causing undue stress. Establishing a relationship and familiarity with our entire team goes a long way toward creating a positive experience that will set the tone for future dental visits.

The first appointment will also entail a brief oral exam to assess the condition of the existing teeth, gums and airway. Our dentist will alert you to any early warning signs of dental problems, though there will likely be none that need to be addressed at such a young age.

Our dental team will also want to discuss good oral hygiene habits. It’s never too early to start cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums. Before any teeth erupt, it is best to wipe your baby’s gums with a clean washcloth. You can even use a soft bristled infant toothbrush on your baby’s gums and on any teeth that do come in.

Return to the Dentist Every 6 Months

After the first appointment you should continue to take your child to the dentist every 6 months. Following a regular schedule with preventative dental visits will help prevent cavities and ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy as they grow and develop. At each appointment your child’s teeth will be cleaned and examined for any signs of decay.

As your child gets older, our dentists will also be on the lookout for orthodontic issues such as crowding and incorrect bite pattern. If issues emerge, we may recommend an airway orthodontic evaluation and based on the age a plan can be made. Most children need airway orthodontic intervention to some extent before they are full grown.

Dental Partners of Vero Beach is a dental, orthodontic, and airway centric practice specializing in complete dental care for patients of all ages. At Dental Partners we’re concerned about more than just the dental health of our patients. Oral health plays an important part in the overall health of an individual and we work with our patients making sure their overall health is addressed as well. We pride ourselves in providing complete care for complete health for all of the patients that see us.Call 772-569-4118 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to taking care of your entire family's dental needs.