By Dr. Amanda Rizner
One of the most common questions we receive from our patients is when to bring their child for their first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. This may seem early, but it’s a critical step in setting the stage for proper dental care from infancy through adolescence. The primary goal of this early visit is to establish a dental home for your child where they can receive ongoing preventive care and treatment as needed. It can also get them accustomed to a routine dental visit, which can help lessen anxiety in the upcoming years.
Another reason for early checkups is to monitor the development of the child’s teeth and jaws. By seeing a dentist early, any potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly. This includes such common occurrences as tooth decay, improper bite alignment, and oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Early intervention can often prevent more significant problems from developing later. If the child is too small for the chair, the dentists will often perform a “knee-to-knee” exam for which allows the child to sit in the parents’ lap for a more comfortable experience.
Early dental visits also allow the dental team to educate parents about proper oral hygiene practices for their children. Many parents may not be aware of the best ways to care for their child’s teeth and gums, including how to clean their teeth effectively and what foods and drinks to avoid to prevent tooth decay. Dentists can provide valuable guidance and resources to help parents establish good oral hygiene habits at home as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Regular checkups also allow dentists to apply preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish, hydroxyapatite varnish, or dental sealants, which can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to seal off the deep grooves and pits where bacteria and food particles can become trapped.
What You Can Expect During the First Visit
During a child’s first visit, the dental team will perform a knee-to-knee exam in order to look for any cavities as well as any issues with the surrounding tissue. The hygienist or dentist will then show both the parents and the child how to properly brush and care for those teeth, depending on what age and stage of development they are at. When a child’s first tooth erupts, we recommend brushing before bed and after meals with something as easy as a washcloth to prevent any debris from sticking and causing dental caries. Your dentist and hygienist can help explain what other instruments or products are useful for your particular situation.
Some infants may need to be seen by a dental specialist or pediatric dentist due to early lip and tongue ties. This is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissue connecting the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth, respectively, is unusually tight or thick. These conditions can impact an infants’ ability to breastfeed effectively and can lead to various complications if left untreated.
Beyond the physical aspects of dental care, early dental visits also play a crucial role in shaping your child’s attitudes and behaviors towards dental care. By establishing a positive and comfortable experience at the dentist from an early age, children are more likely to continue prioritizing their oral health as they grow older. This can help reduce dental anxiety and fear of the dentist, leading to better long-term oral health outcomes.
Overall, taking your child to the dentist early and regularly is essential for their oral health and overall well-being. By starting dental visits by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, you can help ensure that your child receives the necessary preventive care, education, and support to maintain a healthy smile for life. Remember, good dental habits start early, and investing in your child’s oral health now can pay dividends for years to come.
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