WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY BABY TO THE DENTIST?
When do kids start going to the dentist?
When do babies go to the dentist?
When should I take my baby to the dentist?
When do babies go to dentist?
Baby’s first dental visit
As soon as your child gets some teeth in the mouth, it is a good idea to start the daily home routine of oral hygiene as well as introducing your child to dental office environment which also will be filled with a lot of information for parents.
In order to change the negative vision of “dentists will hurt you”, (which has accumulated in parents childhood experiences due to old fashioned equipment and/or late dental visits which created big cavities and therefore big problems) you can build your child’s mindset about dental healthcare providers on a fun and simple trip to dentist on a regular basis.
The biggest help to your child will be NOT to impose your own negative experiences of going to dentist on him/her. We need to make children understand that dentists will help solving the problems, and this is happening with early childhood visits to prevent any negative experience.
First visits are mostly about getting kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating parents about how to care for baby’s teeth. If your child has transitioned from the bottle to cup and doesn’t snack or drink in the middle of the night, you get a one-year pass, until age 2. That’s when the standard every-six-month dental visit recommendation kicks into gear. When your child is between ages 4 and 6, expect your dentist to take a first set of X-rays to check for cavities lurking between the teeth
Prevention is the name of the game between ages 6 and 12, when babyteeth give way to permanent teeth. Your child’s dentist will probably suggest a sealant, a plastic resin that bonds to teeth’s chewing surfaces, between ages 7 and 9. Cavity-prone molars are the most likely site for treatment. The resin keeps cavity-causing bacteria from getting into the grooves and valleys of teeth.
Also, when your child is around age 7, his dentist will likely suggest an orthodontic evaluation. Most kids will wait until their early teens for braces, but orthodontics is about modifying jaw growth, so identifying skeletal causes of crooked teeth early helps ensure a beautiful smile later on.
In the end, it’s the basics — brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups — that have the most impact on a kid’s smile.
What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
How safe are dental X-rays?
There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.
