Whether your toddler has a mouth filled with teeth or only a few poking through, it’s time to start thinking about oral hygiene and their smiles. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child’s teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth start to appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future.
When to Go to the Dentist
Most experts recommend that you take your child to their first dentist appointment within about six months of their first tooth’s arrival, or by the time they turn two.
How do we prepare for our first visit?
Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction your child may exhibit – cooperative or uncooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still, but this can be quite common. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. If possible, bring any records of your child’s complete medical history with you to the appointment.
If you have any questions about when to bring your baby to their first dentist checkup, call Dedicated Dental at (702) 566-5509 to request an appointment.
