When Should I Start Thinking About Dental Visits
Gresham, OR
When you have a baby, your life is filled with all kinds of firsts. The first time your baby smiles. The first time they roll over.
The first time they sit up. The first time they speak. Their first teeth. With so much happening, you have a lot on your mind.
One of the things you might be wondering about is when you should start thinking about dental visits. It is probably a lot earlier than you think. Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.
When Should My Child Have Their First Visit?
The first dental visit should occur probably a lot earlier than you think. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or AAPD, recommends that your child has their first visit six months after the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever one comes first.
Typically, children get their first teeth around six months of age. However, some children get them earlier, while others get them later.
Even if your child does not have any teeth by their first birthday, it is still important for them to have their first dental visit by this time.
What Happens at the First Visit?
The first dental visit is a very short appointment. It is designed to allow us to get to know your child and for your child to get to know us, as well as become comfortable in our office.
When you bring your child into the exam room, we will have you sit in the chair with your child in your lap. This can be helpful in keeping your child calm and comfortable.
We will take a quick peek into their mouth and assess the alignment of their jaw. If necessary, we can clean their teeth.
After looking at their teeth, the rest of the appointment will consist of a conversation with you. We will discuss such things as:
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Any issues we see in their mouth.
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Proper oral hygiene.
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Teething.
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Nutrition for healthy teeth and gums.
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Oral habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use.
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Developmental milestones.
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Setting your child up for regular 6-month visits. |
Benefits of Starting Dental Visits Early
There are several benefits to starting dental visits early.
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Prevention of early tooth decay. As soon as your child starts getting their teeth, decay and cavities can develop. Early tooth decay can lead to premature tooth loss, which can affect the development and eruption of the adult teeth. It can also lead to infections in the adult teeth, even before they erupt.
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Encouraging good oral hygiene habits. Staring dental visits early helps to encourage good dental care habits early. This can help you to avoid the struggle of trying to get your child to brush and floss later.
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Avoiding fear of the dentist. Early dental visits are designed to help your child become more comfortable in our office. Age 1-2 Visits are very important. We work to gain the trust of your child at a young age, which can make later dental visits easier. If your child is anxious or fearful about their visit, there are ways that we, and you, can help. |
Starting dental visits by the first birthday can help to set your child, and you, up for oral health success. For more information, and to schedule the first visit for your child, contact Douglas L. Park, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry today at (503) 663-8141. |
