The moment your baby starts flashing their toothy smile, you start wondering when they should visit the dentist. Today, we’ll look at 5 reasons to take your child to the dentist today. Even though parents are extremely concerned about their child’s health in those early years, dental health is often overlooked. While you are busy celebrating all the firsts, do not forget your child’s first dental visit. Waiting until all the teeth have come in or until the child develops cavities or plaque is a complete no-no! Hence, one important question to ask would be:
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, children should ideally visit a pediatric dentist by the time they turn one and no later than the age of two. As per the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the best time for a child to visit the dentist is six months after the first tooth appears.
- The first visit is not entirely about preventive measures or getting the child checked for a dental disease. Instead, it is more like testing the waters. Children who do not visit the dentist until they suffer from tooth decay or cavities are more likely to be fearful of the experience. During these initial visits, a child becomes familiar with the dentist’s chair and equipment. A pediatric dentist’s office includes colorful toys, video games, and goodie bags for the little visitors to make them feel comfortable. Each visit to the dentist eliminates the fear and introduces the child to the dentist, the staff, and the environment in a healthy manner.
- Another significant reason for visiting a pediatric dentist’s office is to learn about children’s dental care. This first visit educates the parents about problems like baby bottle tooth decay. It’s highly beneficial to learn the feeding patterns, finger-sucking and pacifier habits, teething phase, and dental care practices recommended for your child. As a parent, it’s very reassuring to have a professional answering your queries and guiding you about your child’s health.
- Moreover, the dentist inspects and catches any sign of abnormality in the child’s mouth beforehand. If is often easier to treat a problem if diagnosed in earlier stages. Regular oral examinations would ensure healthy gums, jaws, and bite. Any issues associated with the child’s jaw or teeth structure may affect his/her ability to speak as well.
- Parents often disregard these early visits to the dentist by saying that the teeth at this age are simply temporary. That’s an erroneous way of thinking since the permanent teeth start to grow along with the temporary ones. The dentist does not just examine the visible teeth but keeps a check on what’s hidden inside the gums.
Take Your Child to the Dentist Every Six Months
Ideally, a child should visit the dentist once every six months after the first visit. You can expect the dentist to count your baby’s teeth and brush them with a toothpaste in the subsequent visits. Make an appointment with a Gainesville dentist today!
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