If you have a baby, it might be time to take them to the family dentist sooner than you think. Many American children do not see the family dentist until over two years of age. Unfortunately, this is much later than dentists recommend. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children go by a year of age. Read on to learn why this is.
Parents should take children to see the dentist by the time the first tooth erupts. This may happen before one year of age. Many primary teeth begin growing by six months. However, if this does not happen, children should still see the dentist. The baby teeth need to be kept in place until they naturally fall out. There are many functions of primary teeth:
Many people do not realize how important primary teeth are. Without the right oral care, the primary teeth can begin to decay. If the teeth decay, the teeth will not stay in place until the permanent teeth come. During the first dental visit, parents can learn how to care for the primary teeth.
It is natural for a child to feel nervous or upset at the first family dentist visit. The child may feel anxious in this unfamiliar environment. The sharp instruments and machinery can make a child feel upset. Parents can give children a sneak peek at the dentist. For example, the child can go with the parent at the parent’s next dental visit. That way, the child will get used to seeing someone’s teeth looked at and cleaned.
For older children, parents can teach the child what happens. There are many online resources, such as videos, that show what happens during the visit. This can help children learn more about the dentist visit and oral health, in general. Parents can also check out books from a local library.
Parents and children can play around before the actual exam takes place. The parent and child can take turns being the patient and the dentist. Both can examine each other’s mouths using a mirror. That way, the child will be familiar with how an examination feels.
Taking time is good for children of any age. The child should not feel like the visit is rushed. It is good for children to be well-rested before going to a family dentist. That can help make the child more comfortable.
The right time to take your child to a family dentist is no later than 12 months. However, your child may need to have a visit sooner than that. The good news is that you can easily prepare your child for a visit by practicing and taking the time. You can also show your child what will happen during the visit.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A kids dentist can prevent, treat, and reverse gum disease. Through comprehensive dental treatments, they can address the bacterial buildup that contributes to the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Comprehensive gingivitis treatments may involve deep dental cleanings, enhanced oral hygiene, and other approaches. The goal is to effectively treat and reverse…
A kids dentist knows how crucial baby teeth are to a child's current and future health. Some mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important because they eventually fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. Therefore, parents must understand baby teeth' vital role in their child's oral health and development to help ensure children…
Anything can feel like a hassle when it is not a habit, including oral hygiene. A kids dentist aims to help children develop long-term oral health by making oral hygiene a habit early in life. These dental providers can give advice tailored to your child during an appointment, such as by addressing specific difficulties like…
A dental checkup for kids does more than look for cavities; it also gives the dental team a chance to remove buildup, monitor development, and support healthy habits at every stage of growth. Many parents wonder whether professional teeth cleanings are really necessary if a child brushes well at home each day. While home care…
A kids dentist can prevent, treat, and reverse gum disease. Through comprehensive dental treatments, they can address the bacterial buildup that contributes to the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Comprehensive gingivitis treatments may involve deep dental cleanings, enhanced oral hygiene, and other approaches. The goal is to effectively treat and reverse…
A kids dentist knows how crucial baby teeth are to a child's current and future health. Some mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important because they eventually fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. Therefore, parents must understand baby teeth' vital role in their child's oral health and development to help ensure children…