When is the Right Time for Your Child's First Dentist Appointment?

The first visit to the dentist is recommended before your child turns one year old or within six months of their first tooth coming out. This is to ensure that your child's growth and development are on track. But when exactly should you take your child to the dentist? Our pediatric care experts have the answers. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children make their first dental visit before they turn one year of age. This is to establish a foundation for their dental care.

Superdentists accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal, and are available on weekends and for emergencies. This visit is also important as it bridges the gap between when children should start going to the dentist and when they should see an orthodontist, which is usually at seven years old. Research suggests that for every year a child's first birthday passes, parents delay booking that first dental appointment, the child's chances of having cavities nearly double. During this visit, your Williamsburg or Park Slope pediatric dentist will perform a quick but thorough exam. This allows orthodontists to properly assess the front-to-back and side-to-side relationships between a child's teeth and identify potential future dental problems and enough time to create a plan to resolve those problems.

In addition, orthodontists at The Super Dentists will also evaluate possible tooth alignment solutions in the near future. Your baby's first visit to the dentist is also the perfect opportunity for parents to learn how to properly care for their child's teeth to prevent future tooth decay. Many dentists will give you a reward at the end of your visit, but you may also want to take a treat with you. When your child is ready, the dentist will count and examine their small teeth, examine their gums and jaws, and evaluate their growth and development. The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association all recommend that you take your child for a dental checkup before their first birthday, even if they haven't had teeth yet. Depending on how comfortable or moved your child is, they may sit directly in the chair or on your lap.

Assuming everything is OK with your child's teeth and gums, you'll want to use pencil on their next visit to The Super Dentists.