When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist for a Checkup?

When it comes to dental care, many American children do not see the dentist until they are beyond two years old. To some, even two may seem early, but what few people realize is the best time for your child’s first visit to the dentist is earlier than you think. Pediatric and family dentists would like to see children before their first birthday.
This article written with the help of Nic and Jacqui dentists in epsom auckland.

Typically, primary teeth begin to grow in around six months, and this is when you need to start establishing good dental habits . Those little chompers are just as important as permanent teeth and in fact, they hold the place for adult teeth that will eventually grow. Also, decay in baby teeth could increase the risk of decay in adult teeth. This is why visiting the dentist early is so important. To make this visit easy on your child, try to schedule the appointment for when they are fresh and alert. Also prepare to provide information about your child’s medical history, eating habits , teething and pacifier, or finger sucking habits . This will make the appointment move quickly and efficiently.

What Will a First Visit Entail?Usually these early visits help your child grow accustomed to visiting the dentist. You want these to be good experiences where your child is safe and comfortable. These visits also allow the dentist an opportunity to teach primary caregivers how to take care of baby’s oral hygiene. When it comes to dental care, prevention should be a top priority.

Do Babies Get Cavities?Sadly, yes. Even though dental caries and periodontal disease is highly preventable, many infants and young children suffer from oral bacteria. Cavities are the result of infection, and if that infection spreads, it could lead to pain and suffering in young children as young as nine or 10 months. So caregivers need to prepare and prevent childhood dental decay.

Tips for Preventing Early Childhood Dental Decay
1. Parents should take care of their own teeth to decrease the risk of transferring infection and to set an example for children.
2. Do not put your baby down to bed with a bottle of milk, juice or formula because this could lead to a condition called “bottle rot.” Use a bottle of breast milk or water, if your child needs something to suck to settle down for sleep.
3. As soon as they grow in, clean your baby’s teeth with a warm cloth or infant sized toothbrush. You do not need to worry about using toothpaste until your child is a little older.
4. Check your child’s teeth and gums often for white or brown spots, especially in the upper front teeth where decay is most common.
5. Take your child to the dentist for a checkup if you ever suspect any dental problems.

By starting dental visits early, the dentist can give you guidance about when you can transition to using toothpaste, how to keep your child from damaging their teeth and what to do in a dental emergency. The dentist also might suggest fluoride therapy or sealants to help prevent decay. Then the dentist can talk about when you should expect to bring your child in for their next checkup.