How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
In order to ensure the proper development and optimal health of your child’s primary and permanent teeth, it is best that you bring them in a minimum of every six months. This allows us to check for any potential dental problems and treat them early, before they become a larger problem. It also allows us to check your child’s oral hygiene routines and practices, and help teach them proper techniques when necessary. These bi-annual visits also allow us to ensure that your child’s teeth are cleaned properly, and give us the opportunity to remove any plaque or tartar buildup from their teeth before it begins to affect the health of your child’s teeth or gums.
Establish a dental visit routine for your child
Good dental habits begin during these early ages. By establishing a routine of bi-annual visits with your child from the time they are six months old, you ensure that they will not develop a fear of the dentist later on, making visits as your child ages much easier. It also gives us the opportunity to ensure your child’s teeth are developing properly and implement treatments when necessary that may save your child the trouble of having to undergo more extensive treatments (including orthodontics) later on in life.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
One of the calls we get all the time is “When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?” You may be surprised to learn that you should bring your child to the dentist as soon as possible after their first tooth erupts, and most certainly by the time they’ve reached a year old. Recent studies have shown that cavities are occurring earlier, and many children have had at least one cavity by the time they’re four years old, and some children have them by the age of 2. In order to prevent this from happening to your child, it’s important that you bring them to our office as early as possible.
Your first visit with Sunny Smiles
During your child’s first visit to our office, we will take time to get to know your child. It is important for your child to feel comfortable . This is also our chance to find out if your child will be at an increased risk for cavities. We’ll also teach you about how to properly use fluoride, how to deal with habits such as finger sucking, teething, and how your child’s diet can affect their teeth. This educational appointment can have a significant impact on your child’s future dental health and will serve as the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your little one.
It’s natural to feel a bit of anxiety when bringing your child in for their first dental visit. However, most parents find themselves pleasantly surprised at how well a baby tolerates their initial dental examination. In most cases, young infants handle the visit very well, and it sets them up for future successful visits in the future. By bringing your baby in before their first birthday, you allow us the change to establish an early routine and bond for your child’s dental health that will make future visits pass much more smoothly.