CHILDREN'S FIRST VISIT TO THE DENTIST : AGE OF FIRST VISIT

According to recent polls, many Americans do not take their child in for their first dental visit until they are well over 2 years old. Is this earlier than you expected? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child starts regular dental visits within six months after the first tooth comes in, or around their first birthday. Why is it so important to have your child visit the dentist regularly starting from such a young age? Below is more information on the importance of maintaining the oral health of children and how to determine at what age they are ready to visit a dentist.

Importance of primary teeth

Your child’s primary teeth will typically begin growing in around 6 months. According to the AAPD, primary teeth, or baby teeth, serve a very important purpose and should be kept in place until they are lost naturally. The primary teeth help children learn to chew food, speak properly, and maintain the spacing and structure of their mouth before permanent teeth grow in. The impression of many adults is that baby teeth are not important because they are eventually lost. It is important for parents to be educated on the importance of primary teeth and maintaining their health through regular brushing and flossing.

Primary teeth are softer than adult teeth and may be more prone to decay and infection. To avoid dental issues early in life, it is important to help your child develop healthy oral habits at a very young age, including becoming used to regular routine visits to the dentist.

Preparing for your child’s first dental visit

One of the benefits of taking your child to the dentist when they are close to one year old, or shortly after their first tooth comes in, is that they are likely to be too young to be nervous. Older children may have some anxiety or fears at the time of the first visit. The best way to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to do just that: prepare. Here are some tips on how to help the process go smoothly:

  • Sneak peek. When it is time for your next visit, try taking your child with you and having them watch you while you have your teeth examined and cleaned. Watching their parent stay comfortable and calm with the noises and the machines around them will model what an ideal Patient looks like.
  • Research. There are a wealth of books and online resources available that are focused on teaching children more their teeth and dentist visits. Pick a few books up and start to teach your child about their teeth.
  • Role Play. Turn a dental visit into a game and take turns being the dentist and the patient, just like playing doctor! Use your fingers to examine your child’s mouth and count their teeth, just like a dentist would do during an exam.
  • Rest. Make sure the night before the appointment your child gets a good night sleep and is well-rested. Sleep will help ensure they will be relaxed and comfortable for their first big appointment.

More on Pediatric Dentistry :  Pediatric Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions