It’s essential for children to visit the dentist regularly to maintain good oral hygiene, but when do you start taking your child to the dentist? This is a common question we get from parents who may not know what the appropriate age is for their child to begin receiving dental care, and one that we can confidently answer for you.
How Old Should My Child Be for Their First Dental Visit
We recommend that your child make their first visit when their first tooth erupts. If you need to wait, we highly encourage you to make that first visit within six months of the eruption. This is so that we may evaluate your child’s mouth, their skeletal and jaw growth, and so that we can give you the proper care instructions when it comes to their oral health. During this visit, we can also give you vital information regarding:
- Teething
- Mouth cleaning
- Pacifier habits
- Infant feeding practices
- Finger-sucking habits
- Baby bottle tooth decay
We will also discuss things with you like your child’s first cleaning at the age of two and their first x-rays, which should be taken when they reach the age of four.
Oral care can be more sensitive and at times complex when it comes to babies and toddlers, but we’re here to help and inform you and your child every step of the way.
How to Prepare for the First Visit
It’s best to schedule an early morning appointment so that you and your child can focus on the first visit as the day’s first task. We find it helpful to explain to your child why it’s essential to visit the dentist and instill a sense of calm in them so that they don’t grow up with a fear of dental visits. This will help them be better prepared for further visits and even increase the likelihood of consistent visits as they get older.
Taking your child to the dentist also requires preparation on your end. You should prepare questions and concerns to discuss with us and be prepared to show your child’s complete health history. For restoration visits (cavity fillings), make sure to inform us about any behavioral concerns regarding your child, e.g., stubbornness or anxiety.
Remember, your child can pick up on your anxieties, making them wary and even nervous when it comes to dental visits. It’s crucial for you to remain calm and be open and honest with your children about your view of dental care; this will create trust between your child and us to better treat them.
What You Can Expect from our Process at Oak Hills Dentistry
Thirty-three percent of the patients we treat at Oak Hills Dentistry are children, so we’ve refined our abilities to provide positive experiences to kids and help them grow up without fear of the dentist. Located in Layton, Utah, our patient, friendly, and expert doctors can help you establish an efficient dental routine for your child so that they can enjoy a long life of excellent oral health.
Taking your child to the dentist doesn’t have to be complicated. Call, text, or email us today for more information about your child’s first visit.