Your child's first visit to the dentist is to help them feel comfortable with the dentist. The first visit to the dentist is recommended before 12 months of age or within 6 months after the first tooth comes out. Most first dental visits are quick and simple by design. The dentist will greet your little one, count your baby's teeth, and examine the gums, lips, tongue and the inside of their cheeks.
Most pediatric dentists expect parents to stay in the room while small patients check their mouths. The best time for that first visit may be sooner than you think, says our expert. How old should my child be before he makes his or her first dental appointment? R. You should wear them for when they celebrate their first birthday.
In addition, when your child is around 7 years old, your dentist will likely suggest an orthodontic evaluation. Most children wait until adolescence to receive braces, but orthodontics involves modifying jaw growth, so identifying the skeletal causes of crooked teeth early helps ensure a beautiful smile later on. In the end, it's the basics (brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and having regular dental checkups) that have the biggest impact on a child's smile. Find more articles, search for back issues and read the current issue of WebMD the Magazine.
Eric Yabu, DDS, WebMD Oral Health Expert. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are many things to think about as a first-time parent, and a pediatric dentist can guide you and your child for years to come to a life of good oral health. Try to schedule your child's first dental appointment when he or she is less fussy, and make sure he or she is well rested and nourished before arrival.
By following these steps and taking the time to prepare for your child's first visit to the dentist, you can help your child enjoy the dentist and look forward to future appointments. It may seem early, but try to schedule your baby's first dentist appointment at a pediatric dentist (or one that is good with children) within 6 months of a tooth coming out or turning one year old, whichever comes first, according to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). To schedule your child's first appointment, call us at 1- (86) KIDS-DENTAL or book your child's dental appointment below. In addition, the dentist will evaluate your child's bite and suggest when to schedule your next appointment.
If your child is older, you can do a mock visit to the dentist and practice opening his mouth wide to count his teeth. Your child's dentist will probably suggest a sealant, a plastic resin that adheres to the chewing surfaces of teeth, between the ages of 7 and 9.Staying positive and talking enthusiastically about the dentist visit will go a long way in making your child feel comfortable rather than scared. Depending on how comfortable or moved your child is, he or she may sit directly in the chair or on his lap. Most dental professionals recommend going to appointments at least twice a year, but ask your pediatric dentist what they recommend for your child's individual needs.
You may also consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist, someone who has additional training in caring for children's oral health. The friend or older sibling can go first, and the dental professional can demonstrate what will happen next or answer any of the child's questions. When it comes to choosing a dentist, many people take their child on their own and this is often a good option, especially if your dentist has experience with young children. Even if you feel comfortable and confident in your own oral health, many questions can arise around your little one's dental visits.
Your baby's visit will conclude when we provide a dental health bag for the patient, complete with a special-sized toothbrush for infants or toddlers, toothpaste, and dental floss. .
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