What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Our dental office in Erdenheim gets asked questions quite often, and we’re always here to help in any way we can. One of the more common questions we get is from new parents curious about when they should bring their child in for their first dental appointment, and we’re more than happy to guide them.
First Visit by First Birthday
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children see their pediatric dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of getting their first tooth. Some may be surprised by the early timing, but studies show it’s an important step in protecting growing smiles. In fact, many kids get cavities as early as age 2, and the occurrence of cavities in preschool aged children is on the rise — more than 1 in 4 have had at least one cavity by age 4.
What to Expect
At your child’s first visit to her dentist in Erdenheim, she’ll have a quick exam to start getting her comfortable with dental visits. During this exam, the dentist will check for any areas of concern, evaluate her risk for developing cavities, and look for any potential issues with her bite, gums, and jaw.
Your child’s dental team may also discuss some things with you that can help keep your child’s smile healthy in between office visits. Some of these items may include:
- Tooth brushing tips
- Appropriate use of fluoride
- Teething
- Oral habits like thumb sucking
- Nutrition for healthy teeth
Following the visit, your child’s dentist may recommend a schedule of how often she should be seen. The schedule varies depending on your child’s need and cavity risk level. Typically, she should start to see the dentist every six months as she grows.
Why a Pediatric Dentist?
There are many different types of dentists, and they all have specific training to treat different types of patients. When it comes to pediatric dentists, 2-3 years of additional education specifically designed around dental care for infants, toddlers, children, and even those with special needs is required.
If you’re looking for a dentist for your child, give my Erdenheim dental office a call to schedule an appointment.
Accepting new patients from Erdenheim, Flourtown, Chestnut Hill and the surrounding areas.