If you’re a new parent or planning to have kids one day, you may be wondering when kids need to start going to the dentist. Every child will develop their own unique smile and will require dental care specific to their circumstances. Planning ahead can encourage your child’s long-term dental care, and Full Heart Dentistry is here to help.
Whether your child is an infant or a young toddler, our team is prepared to assist patients of all ages with caring, gentle dental services.
Is My Child Too Young to Go to the Dentist?
Many parents wait for their child’s first dentist appointment for a variety of reasons. Whether they believe the child is too young or their teeth are too small is a common factor. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether you need to take your children to the dentist.
Being Proactive
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children make their first visit to the dentist no later than their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Even at this age, your dentist can evaluate the baby’s current oral health and provide resources for the following:
- How to provide relief when teething
- What to do regarding finger-sucking habits
- Feeding practicing for better oral care
- How to avoid baby bottle tooth decay
- Proper mouth-cleaning techniques
The First Visit
The first visit will last 30 minutes max, depending on the child and their teeth development. One of our dentists will make sure everything is healthy and help develop a dental care plan.
Preparing for Future Visits
Young children tend to be nervous when coming to new places and meeting new people. The earlier children can become adjusted to the norms within the dentist’s office, the better their future experiences will be. While adults are recommended to visit their dentist every six to twelve months, for children it should be between every six months unless otherwise directed.
Protecting Your Children’s Teeth at Home
Building healthy dental habits is a great way to protect your children’s teeth at home. Ask your dentist what dental practices you should apply at home. Some of the common ways of protecting your children’s teeth include:
- Limiting the time a baby has a bottle
- Cleaning the mouth after meals, before bedtime, and naptime
- Clean gums with a wet cloth prior to teeth growing in
- Avoid foods and juices that have a lot of sugar or syrups
- Help brush your children’s teeth until they are about eight years old
- Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste
Healthy habits start at home, and the Full Heart team is here to answer questions and provide guidance for best dental practices.
When Does YOUR Kids Need to Start Going to the Dentist?
As a parent, your children’s health is your primary concern. Take them to a dentist who treats their patients like family and has the expertise to provide solutions for any potential challenges. We strive to make our facility a safe and comfortable environment for every patient, including the youngest ones.
Are you ready to plan your child’s next dental visit? Contact the Full Heart team today to schedule their next appointment. We look forward to seeing your family’s smile and helping you keep it shining brighter than ever.