When you have a baby, they have a lot of firsts. From the day they’re born you’ll be wondering when they’ll take their first step, say their first word, and have their first laugh. So many beautiful memories start but don’t forget about the first steps they take into healthcare. When it comes to a healthy smile, you don’t want to miss the mark on when your child’s mouth should start receiving professional attention. So when should you start bringing your baby to the dentist?
When Their First Tooth Appears
Just because they’re baby teeth that will eventually fall out, doesn’t mean they don’t need to be properly cared for. This is a huge mistake that sadly too many parents make. Underneath those temporary baby teeth, your child’s permanent teeth are developing. That’s why you should bring your child to the dentist when their very first tooth appears. Your pediatric dentist will be there to make sure those teeth are developing properly so that your child continues to have a healthy smile now and throughout their adult life.
Baby teeth aren’t just there as a placeholder for your child’s permanent teeth though. Baby teeth also help teach children how to speak and chew properly. Their oral health is a vital part of their overall development. So don’t wait, when the first tooth appears, call and schedule an appointment for their very first dental appointment.
Before They Reach Their First Birthday
By the time your child celebrates their first birthday, you also should have already celebrated their first dental appointment, even if their first tooth has yet to appear. Children who go to the dentist before the age of two may have a lower risk of cavities. Kids who visit the dentist regularly receive not only checkups but proper and more extensive cleaning than obtainable at home. Ensuring good dental care, including making dental checkups a regular part of their life, should start when kids are young so that they continue that level of care into their adult life.
Putting off your child’s dental visits can result in a build-up of plaque and cavities. You don’t want their first trip to the dentist to result in cavities getting filled and painful scraping of deep plaque removal. You want to get your child to the dentist before problems arise. In the end, it’s all about preventive care.
Once your kids take over their daily dental care such as brushing their teeth, flossing and scraping their tongue, you’ll want to make sure they know how to do it correctly. That can depend immensely on having a comfortable relationship with a dental office they know so that both you and your children can be assured by a professional that they are caring for their teeth properly and are developing a healthy smile.
To get your child’s first dental checkup on the books call our office and schedule an appointment today!