A lot of parents ask when the right time to bring their child to the dentist for the first time is. Over the years, the recommended time frame for a first dental visit has changed. It used to be, that you would bring your child when they were about kindergarten age. It was just easier to deal with a child that was a little bit older. However, waiting until it’s an easier experience, often resulted in traumatic experiences for the child, and tooth decay. The AAPD recommends a child visits the dentist for the first time no later than their first birthday. Why?
Prevent decay
By coming in for dentist appointments at an incredibly young age, we are able to spot issues such as decay, before the trauma happens to the teeth. Especially because it can be more difficult to brush a young toddlers teeth thoroughly, it’s hard to know for yourself what condition their teeth are in that young. Unless a serious problem is incredibly evident. Bringing your child into the dentist helps you avoid the unknown and take care of problems while they’re still small.
Creating good habits
It’s common for young children to develop bad oral habits, such as sucking on a pacifier or on their fingers for prolonged amounts of time. It’s a very normal form of self soothing, but after a certain age should be discouraged and replaced with a healthier form of self soothing, to avoid potential issues with their teeth and jaw.
Establishing a dental home
Regular dental visits are important for your child’s health, and by establishing this routine at a young age, you are able to avoid issues such as dental anxiety and fear. Forming a relationship with their dentist at a young age creates trust and comfort when you bring your child into the dentist. This makes it so much easier on you as a parent, as well as on your child.
Emergency care
By establishing a home base for your child’s dental visits, you have an easy place to call if an emergency happens. If your child falls and knocks out a tooth, you don’t have to go through the hassle of trying to start care at a new office during a traumatic experience. You already have a home base set up with us, and we are happy to help ease your troubles and get things fixed immediately.
