We all know that timely and regular dental checkups are important. After all, we only get 2 sets of teeth throughout our lives and we need them to eat (duh!) and speak (double duh!) properly. So, it should go without saying that regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth healthy and strong, no matter what age you are.
This particular post focuses on the first set of teeth you got. You know, your baby teeth (also known as primary teeth)! More specifically, we’ll answer the question: “when should your children visit the dentist for the first time?“
Teeth Or No Teeth?
Many parents believe that the first visit to the dentist should be when the first baby teeth appear. Seems logical enough, right? If there are no teeth to look at, why waste time at the dentist? Well, the truth is that even if your toddler doesn’t have any teeth showing yet, going to the dentist early can be beneficial in a number of ways, including:
- Visiting the dentist early will help to familiarize your child with the new environment and establish trust with their pediatric dentist.
- Your child’s pediatric dentist will be able to instruct you, the parent, on what to expect as your child’s teeth begin erupting. Their dentist will cover proper oral hygiene such as how to properly brush their teeth.
- An oral examination will be performed to make sure that your child’s gums and jaw is healthy.
The first visit will help you and your toddler become familiar and comfortable at the dentist. That will go a long way towards establishing a good dental and oral health routine.
But You Still Haven’t Answered The Original Question: “when should your children visit the dentist for the first time?”
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist for that first time just after their 1st birthday.
Additional Resources For Parents
If you would like to know more about dental health for your children, check out the following websites. After all, knowledge is power.