Your child’s teeth start growing in before they are even born. But it might take a little bit of time for their first tooth to start erupting out of their gums. When should your child start going to the dentist? What can you do to make your child’s first dental visit enjoyable?
Your local Glendora kids dentist wants you to take your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth shows through. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important to get your kid on track with good oral health as early as possible.
When Teeth First Start to Erupt
The upper and lower primary teeth erupt at different times, but all of your child’s teeth should have grown in by the time they are two. The first of the primary teeth can erupt as early as 8 months old, with the last of the primary teeth growing in around 25 months old. At the first sign of a tooth, you should be getting ready to bring your child in for their first dental appointment. This usually happens around your child’s first birthday!
When Should Your Child Start Going to the Dentist?
Most dental professionals will recommend that you bring your child to the dentist after their first birthday, or after their first tooth appears (whichever comes sooner). You can wait a few months after that first tooth is visible to schedule an appointment with your dentist, but you should still be thinking about your child’s oral health as early as you can. If you wait a few years, your child may have already developed dental decay.
Unfortunately, many parents are not informed about the best time to take their child to the dentist. Doctors and dentists must do a better job educating people on the best time to start your child’s dental care routine. In fact, a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll recorded that less than half of parents believed that dental visits should start at 12 months old.
Preparing for Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Going to the dentist can be very frightening for young children. Not only will they be visiting an unfamiliar location and meet with unfamiliar adults, but they will also have tools going into their mouth that can make them feel uncomfortable. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to make your child’s first dental experience a happy and positive one. Take a look at the recommendations that make our Glendora dentist office such a great experience for kids of all ages:
Inform Your Child Beforehand
Make sure you explain everything to your child as best as you can. Giving them an idea of what to expect can reduce their fears and make them feel less intimidated when the big day arrives.
Tag Along with Older Siblings
Bring your younger child with you to their older sibling’s dentist appointment. This can acclimate them to the dentist’s office so it won’t be as foreign of a place next time they visit. By watching what’s going on, your child will start to learn what they will soon be going through.
Stay with Your Child
Make sure to remain with your child throughout the dental appointment. If your child is very young, your dentist may even recommend that you sit in the dental chair and hold your child while the dentist does an examination. It’s all about making your child comfortable.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment Today!
It’s important to get your child on track with good dental health as soon as you possibly can. At the first sign of an erupted tooth, you can start preparing for their regular trips to the dentist. Get in touch with our family-friendly dentists at Glendora Family Dentistry and learn more about the best oral health treatments for your child. We look forward to seeing you soon!
