Blog Post

When Should Kids Start Going To A Dentist

Dr Alex Silman • May 27, 2020

If you’re a parent, you probably expect to take your child to the dentist once several of their first teeth have come in. But that’s not always the best time to go. Many parents are surprised by how early they’re supposed to make the first dental appointment for their little one. It’s essential to know how to properly take care of your infant’s teeth so that you can instill good dental hygiene habits and set them up with excellent oral health.

When Should Your Child Visit the Dentist?

A dentist aims to enhance an individual’s oral health. They take care of more than teeth. Therefore, you don’t have to wait until your little one has pearly whites to go for a dental checkup.

Most babies start getting teeth around 6 months of age. According to the American Dental Association, children should see a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

However, they shouldn’t wait until they’re over 12 months old for their first dental appointment. If your child hasn’t gotten a tooth by the time they’re 1 year old, bring them in for a dental exam anyway.

Benefits of Early Dental Visits

Approximately 36 percent of the population experiences some anxiety when going to the dentist. Getting your child accustomed to going at an early age may minimize some of the fears that adults have when they go for a dental exam.

The dentist doesn’t do much poking or prodding at these initial visits. Therefore, young children can get to know the staff and familiarize themselves with the office. Make those early dentist appointments fun so that your little one gets excited for them.

Early dental appointments can also provide education for the parents. The dentist can show you how to properly clean your infant’s teeth and gums. They’ll give you information on developing feeding habits that prevent tooth decay. A dental professional can also provide recommendations for curbing a finger-sucking or pacifier habit.

What to Expect From Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Your child’s first appointment with the dentist will be relatively short. Depending on the child’s age, not much treatment is usually necessary. Your child will have a chance to meet the dentist in a non-threatening environment.

If the child is old enough, they can sit in the dental chair. Some dentists will have parents hold their children on their laps while they examine the mouth, however.

The dentist will inspect the teeth for signs of decay. If there are no teeth, the dental professional can take a look at the gums and check for teeth that are about to erupt. Any potential gum or jaw problems will be assessed.

The dentist may not do a full dental cleaning on a younger child. Dental professionals usually wait until kids are more comfortable in the office before using some of the more intrusive equipment.

You might wonder when your child will receive their first dental X-ray. Most kids have their first set of slides taken by the time they’re 5 or 6 years old. Children who are at a higher risk of developing dental problems may have X-rays taken earlier.

Kids start to get their permanent teeth around age 6. X-rays help dentists assess the development of adult teeth.

You should have a chance to ask questions by the end of the appointment. This allows the parents and children to establish a solid relationship with the dentist. Encourage your child to ask questions if they’re old enough.

Some questions that a parent might want to ask at early dental appointments include:

• How do I make sure that my child is getting adequate nutrition to support their oral health?

• Does my child need fluoride?

• What happens if my little one knocks out a baby tooth?

• How often should my kid visit the dentist?

• What should I do if my child appears to be in pain from teething?

As your child gets older, you can get advice on loose teeth, dental sealants, flossing and X-rays.

Why Should You Care About Cavities in Primary Teeth?

Many parents wonder why dental health matters when their little ones are going to lose their primary teeth anyway. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak and make movements with their face and mouth. Most children have all 20 of their primary teeth by the time they’re 3 years old.

These teeth hold space in the child’s mouth. If one of them develops a cavity and falls out or must be pulled, it upsets the structure of the mouth. Other teeth can drift into the empty space, making it difficult for adult teeth to grow in. Having primary teeth in their proper place also facilitates proper pronunciation and speech.

Also, a serious cavity in a primary tooth could lead to infection. Bacteria could harm the gums and jaw. An infection can also lead to more cavities.

You should always treat decay in baby teeth. If the cavity worsens while you’re waiting for the tooth to fall out, it could cause severe problems. It’s usually easier to bring a child to the dentist for a routine visit than a complicated procedure. Catching cavities early is essential for establishing a positive attitude surrounding dental visits for kids.

How to Promote Good Oral Health in Kids

Bringing your child to the dentist every 6 months helps to reiterate how important oral health is. But you should support your child’s dental health between visits too.

Brush your little one’s teeth twice a day. Your dentist can show you how to do this with a washcloth or toothbrush, depending on your child’s age. You’ll need to help your child brush their teeth until they’re 7 or 8 years old to make sure that they’re doing it properly.

Let your kiddo see you brushing your teeth too. Children mimic what they see. Make tooth-brushing a positive habit around the house.

Don’t allow your child to go to sleep with a bottle of any liquid that isn’t water. Formula, milk and juice contain sugar, which could cause cavities.

It doesn’t hurt to bring your child to the dentist at an early age. Waiting too long could be detrimental to their oral health. We can set your little one up as a new patient and get them on their way to excellent oral health.