It’s a question in every new parent’s mind, “when should my child have their first dentist visit?”

The answer is actually quite simple, when your child gets their first pearly white is when they should also have their first dentist visit. To boil it down even further, your child should have their first dentist visit by their first birthday celebration.

SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTIST VISIT BY THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY

Why Your Child Should Have a Dentist Visit by Tooth One

Your child’s baby teeth are just as important as their permanent teeth. Not only do the baby teeth or primary teeth reserve the space for upcoming permanent teeth but they also play a major part in your child’s development. Maintaining your child’s tooth health from the beginning is crucial for speech development and even proper chewing habits.

Tooth decay is also a major concern. Even in children who only have one small tooth, decay can become a problem if the tooth is not properly looked after. A dentist will examine and check for any decay or other problems that could affect your child’s smile.

What to Expect at the First Dentist Visit

Your child’s first dentist visit will not be overbearing or strenuous. Your dentist will introduce him or herself to your child, have a quick peek at their smile to check for any problems, and talk to you about your child’s dental health. This discussion will include your child’s history and habits such as teething, nutrition needs, and how to start maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will build a plan for you and your child to lead them down the path to a healthy smile and give you advice on home care and teeth cleaning practices. The dentist will also be able to address any of your concerns as well so you have everything you need to help your child maintain a healthy smile.

How to Prepare Your Child for the First Dentist Visit

Visiting the dentist for the first time will obviously be a different experience for your child. To avoid surprises and because each dentist is a little different, finding out what your dentist will be doing during the visit is the first step in preparing your child. Once you know the dentist’s usual routine you can explain the process to your child so they understand what will be happening. Use positive language to prevent nerves and help your child get excited for the upcoming dental visit.

You can utilize other resources as well to help children understand the dentist such as children books. For a calm dental visit, schedule your child’s appointment in the morning when they are well rested and feel relaxed.

Scheduling your child’s first dental visit is the beginning of teaching your child excellent oral hygiene routines. To ensure your child grows up with a healthy smile they can share with the world, talk to your dentist and address any concerns you have about your child’s smile today.