According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should begin seeing the dentist for the first time at 12 months old or within six months of their first tooth, whichever comes first. And they should continue with their dental visits every six months thereafter.
Tooth decay does not discriminate against age as kids are just as susceptible as adults. With routine dental checkups, you can prevent complex oral health concerns and feel confident your child is growing and developing properly.
What to Expect at a Routine Dental Visit
Paying a visit to your child’s pediatric dentist every six months provides preventative treatment. These visits often include a dental cleaning and examination by the dentist. Depending on the patient, dental X-rays, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and the like may also be included.
It is important to note that every child should make these twice-a-year appointments. For those with many or all of their teeth, they become about protecting oral health. For infants and toddlers, it is more about monitoring growth and educating parents.
The more you make routine dental visits and priority, the more comfortable your child becomes. This sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
The Value of Routine Dental Visits
Aside from growing trust between the patient and dental team, there is immense value in routine dental visits. After all, the goal is for your child to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Let’s take a closer look at why it is so important to visit the dentist every 6 months.
Reduce Decay
Decay can build up regardless of how well the teeth are brushed every day. Kids (and adults) do not always reach every corner or crevice, giving bacteria the perfect place to seek shelter, build up, and increase the risk of decay.
Routine visits including a professional cleaning can address these areas, clearing away the buildup. In the event that decay begins, it can be caught early and treated easily.
Strengthen Teeth
Having healthy, strong teeth can reduce the risk of oral health issues. It all starts with the hard, outer layer of the tooth — the enamel. With proper care, your child can maintain healthy teeth.
Routine visits often come with preventative treatments like fluoride to build up the strength of the enamel and dental sealants to provide a barrier of protection. These can be very beneficial.
Develop Good Habits
Dentists are always striving to protect natural teeth because they know that there is no alternative as good as the real thing. And instilling good oral hygiene habits early can lead to a lifetime of oral health.
Bringing your child to the dentist every six months can help them build a relationship with their dental team and get comfortable with the sights, sounds, and overall experience.
They will have the right tools as they grow for building healthy habits — and a healthy mouth.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment?
At Orange County Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a gentle setting that brings comfort to our young patients, as well as a compassionate team that understands how to best meet their unique needs.
Schedule your child’s dental appointment today. Call 845-928-2206 . Or, request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I begin brushing my child’s teeth?
Gentle brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth comes in. Until then, wiping your baby’s gum with a soft, wet cloth is always a good idea.
Are dental sealants safe?
Dental sealants are a coating that covers the chewing surface of the teeth, primarily molars, and acts as a barrier to protect teeth from cavities. They are a highly effective part of a preventative treatment plan.