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A common question new parents ask is, “How soon should I take my child to the dentist ?” According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists , it’s recommended that kids go in for their first oral health checkup when their baby teeth first begin to emerge or by the time their first birthday comes around.
Additionally, 36 percent of parents think young children (ages 3 to 12) should visit the dentist once a year at most, but dentists recommend a bi-annual check-up.
Protect your child’s teeth by starting dental checkups early. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that the first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.
When should your child first see a dentist ? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.
Tooth Filling If your child has a small cavity , your child’s dentist will be able to repair the tooth with a dental filling . First, the dentist will drill and remove the decayed matter in the tooth. Next, your dentist will use a tooth-colored resin to fill the hole left in the tooth.
Prepare your child . If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh. Prepare yourself. Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist . Prepare the dentist . The first visit . The second visit . Protect your children’s teeth at home.
From a safety standpoint, with proper instruction and supervision, electric toothbrushes are safe for children 3 years old and older. Children younger than 3 should use manual toothbrushes .
That’s when the standard every-six-month dental visit recommendation kicks into gear. When your child is between ages 4 and 6, expect your dentist to take a first set of X-rays to check for cavities lurking between the teeth.
During the exam, your dentist will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride.
As far as frequency, most dental professionals – including The Super Dentists – recommend children should visit the dentist at least twice per year. Two trips to the dentist on an annual basis helps ensure: Teeth are aligned correctly. Minor issues don’t become serious oral health problems.
Dental neglect is defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as the “willful failure of parent or guardian, despite adequate access to care, to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infections.”19 Before
Just as you see your pediatrician for well visits, children should also routinely see a dentist . Home dental care is crucial: A child’s teeth should be brushed as soon as they emerge. “We recommend fluoridated toothpaste after 6 months of age,” Goodson says, noting that a rice-sized amount is plenty.
Preparing Your Child for a Pediatric Dentist Appointment Staying positive. Parents can sometimes transfer their dental anxiety to their children . Reading books or watching videos about dental visits. Kids will be more willing to visit if they see their favorite characters visiting the dentist . Playing games. Using positive reinforcement. Bringing their favorite toys.
Toddler teeth need cleaning twice a day – in the morning and before bed. Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for children under two years . Just use water on the toothbrush until your child is 18 months old , unless a dentist tells you otherwise.