When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/08/07 - Updated: 2024/03/29
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Dental and Teeth - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: While you do not have to bring your child to the dentist until he or she is 1 year old, proper dental care begins at home. Bringing your child to the dentist beginning at an early age will help make them comfortable to the surroundings and reduce anxiety associated with visiting the dentist.
Introduction
As soon as teeth appear, they are susceptible to tooth decay. You should take your child to visit the dentist around their first birthday - the general rule is that six months after the first tooth erupts, you should take your child to a pediatric or family dentist.
Main Item
By taking your child to the dentist at a young age, you can help prevent problems like tooth decay, and learn the best ways to clean your child's teeth and enforce good oral habits.
Bringing your child to the dentist beginning at an early age will help make them comfortable to the surroundings and reduce anxiety associated with visiting the dentist. This will help ensure stress-free visits in your child's later years.
Proper Oral Care Begins at Home
While you do not have to bring your child to the dentist until he or she is 1 year old, proper dental care begins at home.
- Even though you can not see your infant's teeth, they have begun forming during the second trimester.
- At the time of birth, your newborn has 20 primary teeth developing in their jawbone.
- You can clean your infant's teeth by running a damp wash-cloth over their gums to prevent an accumulation of bacteria.
- When one or more teeth erupt, you can begin brushing them with a soft toothbrush or by rubbing them with gauze after meals and before bedtime.
- Do not allow your baby to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth, as the sugars sit on their tooth enamel and can begin eroding it.
- Arrange a time for feeding, because sucking on a bottle all day can be just as damaging.
Pediatric Dentists
You may decide to take your child to a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children. These specialty dentists are trained in identifying and addressing a number of kid's oral health issues. Pediatric dentists focus on:
- Cavity prevention - Avoiding oral health problems before they occur
- Teaching children proper oral care
- Performing accurate exams to identify any issues affecting the teeth and gums
Your Child's First Visit
Before the appointment, ask your dentist what procedures to expect and consider how your child may react. Young children are often fussy and struggle to sit still. Tell your child what to expect, and try to instill excitement in them, so that it can be the most positive experience possible.
Many first visits are scheduled simply to introduce your child to the dentist. If your child is scared or uncomfortable, you may need to reschedule. As a parent, it is your job to help your child stay calm and cooperative. Brief, consecutive visits are designed to build your child's trust with the dental professional, which is important if treatment is required later on.
What Happens at the First Visit
If your child cooperates, the first visit can include:
- A gentle yet thorough examination of your child's teeth, jaw, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development
- A demonstration on proper home oral care
- A gentle cleaning (when indicated), which includes polishing your child's teeth and removing any plaque, tartar or stains
- X-rays
- An assessment for fluoride treatment
Your dentist will answer any questions you or you child have, and should strive to provide a relaxed environment for your child.
Like adults, children visit a dentist for a routine checkup every six months.
Sometimes three-month checkups are scheduled at first to build the relationship between dentist and child.
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.