As your child starts growing, talking, and eating more foods, you may be wondering what to do about their oral health. When should a child go to the dentist for the first time? This is a common question because it may not seem necessary to bring a young child in for a family dentistry appointment. Learn more about a few common signs that your child needs to go to the dentist and make an appointment with Lovett Dental Humble today.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist for an Initial Appointment?
Typically, the first sign that your child is ready to see a dentist is when their first small tooth begins to appear. Most children should have an initial pediatric dentistry appointment within six months of that first tooth and by no more than 12 months after it appears. During this first appointment, your dentist will discuss a wide range of factors for your child’s oral health. You will be able to ask questions about your concerns about your child’s oral health and receive advice on how to care for your child’s oral hygiene. Some topics your dentist can discuss with you include the following:
- Teething
- Feeding methods to protect teeth
- The risks of baby bottle tooth decay
- Using pacifiers
- Finger-sucking
- How to properly clean your baby’s mouth
This is also a good time for a general oral health examination. Your dentist will ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy. While there may not be any need for cleanings, it is a good idea to begin to establish good habits now.
How Often Should Children See a Dentist?
We often get questions about when a child should go to the dentist, aside from their initial appointment. Generally, the frequency of their appointments will depend on multiple factors. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Annual Visits Should Start Soon
We may recommend that you bring your child in for an annual dentistry appointment at this point. Once your child is eating mostly solid food, you’ll need to think about the importance of good oral hygiene. Teeth cleaning services may become important within a few years.
Damage to Their Mouth
If a child falls and chips a tooth or has damage to the interior of their mouth, bring them in for an appointment. Broken or chipped teeth can be more vulnerable to decay and infection, which can lead to more issues later on. Our emergency dental services can help ensure there is no permanent damage or that any concerns are taken care of immediately.
Before School Starts
Before your child begins going to school, be sure to schedule a consultation. This is a very good time to have a full dental examination. It is also a good time to talk about protecting your child’s oral health using fluoride treatment procedures and, in some cases, sealant application therapy. These procedures can help to minimize ongoing damage to your child’s teeth. For those who need more advanced care, you can schedule appointments with specialists at this time and work to ensure that your child’s teeth are growing in correctly and that they are taking care of their oral health
Don’t Put Off the Care Your Child Needs – Call Lovett Dental Humble Today
When should a child go to the dentist? They should go when their first tooth grows in, and after that, as often as their dentist recommends. After that first appointment, we’ll make sure you know how often your child should come in to see our team. To get started, call Lovett Dental Humble today to learn more. Our team can schedule an appointment at 281-441-9000 today.
