At What Age Should a Child First See a Pediatric Dentist?

It is recommended that children should first see a pediatric dentist at the age of 1 or six months after the first tooth appears. Some parents think it is not important to bring a child to see a dentist until an older age and all the teeth are in, but this can be too late because decay may have already begun developing. Starting a child young can help with prevention, and it also builds the child’s comfort level.
Why kids should visit a pediatric dentist
There are numerous benefits for children who visit a pediatric dentist early on.
Encourage good oral health practices
It is true that baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth, but until that happens it is important to keep the primary teeth clean and healthy. Teaching kids proper habits and practices when it comes to dental health is important, and the dentist can help show the kids how to properly brush teeth.
For children aged 2 to 4, it may be harder to get them to brush every morning and night. At this age, children may be more likely to listen to a dental professional as opposed to their own parents. This helps builds compliance and excitement at home.
Prevent cavities
The National Institute of Health reports that around 42% of children aged 2 to 11 have cavities and that 28% of those aged 2 to 5 have them. This number is even higher in low-income families and for black and Hispanic children.
Baby teeth are also more susceptible to cavities because they are softer, which makes them more vulnerable to bacteria. If bacteria cause a cavity, then the surrounding teeth are also more susceptible. The good news is cavities are preventable, and a dental exam can identify any potential problem areas.
Decrease dental anxiety
Going to the dentist is a fear for many people. However, if children start young, there is a better chance of building up a confidence level in regard to the dentist. Most pediatric dentist offices are fun, and the hygienist often gives out positive rewards such as stickers or toys, so children enjoy going. This builds comfort for later in life.
What to expect during a visit
Some pediatric dentists will schedule an initial appointment in which no exam or dental work is performed. The purpose of this short visit is to introduce the child to the office, hygienist and dentist and to show the different equipment and demonstrate how it is used.
In subsequent visits, the hygienist will clean with a gentle polisher and show how to properly brush, and then the dentist will perform an exam. Once the child is older, X-rays will be taken during some of the visits. Any potential problem will be discussed with the parents.
Conclusion
It is important that a child visit a pediatric dentist early on before problems start to develop. For most children, this should be around the one-year mark, and the first visit should definitely take place before the child turns 2 in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A significant advantage of Invisalign® for teens is that it makes the treatment more discreet and less conspicuous than traditional braces. Nevertheless, you may be worried that the treatment will affect your speech. While this is possible, it is usually temporary, and there are things you can do to lessen the effects.The clear aligners used…
Professional dental cleanings are integral for keeping your mouth healthy. They remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that regular brushing and flossing cannot, leaving your teeth and gums refreshed. Maintaining healthy habits that keep your smile bright and strong is essential to make the most of a dental cleaning. Caring for your teeth properly after…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also benefit from this treatment system. Many teens prefer Invisalign® over traditional braces because of the numerous advantages it offers, including:Discreet treatment appliancesMore comfort throughout the entire processRemovable trays for improved oral hygieneWhile wearing these trays is easy and relatively effortless,…