Are you a new parent or are you considering having children soon? If so, you undoubtedly have a lot of questions, especially when it comes to their health. It is natural to prioritize a child’s wellbeing by getting all the facts you need so that you can make the most informed decisions. However, there can also be a lot of information to juggle during this research process. What’s more, you may sometimes encounter conflicting information, making the process that much more complicated.
One question that many new or expecting parents have relates to dentistry: when should they schedule their child’s first dental appointment? The answer is likely “sooner than they think.” If you have yet to ask yourself this question, don’t worry! There are plenty of other equally important matters to address, and since children are born without teeth it may not have occurred to you. Nevertheless, it is important to know an ideal age for first dental visit so that you can be proactive about their health.
When to Schedule Their First Appointment
It is a perfectly reasonable assumption that a child will not need to see a dentist until their teeth have fully emerged. However, this assumption is not accurate. Dentistry is more than just about teeth; every part of the mouth plays an important role in oral health. This includes lips, gums, and all the tissues inside of the mouth. For this reason, understanding the appropriate age for first dental visit is crucial.
Many reputable sources, including the American Dental Association and Stanford Children’s Health, agree that your child should have their first dental appointment before their first birthday. More specifically, they should see a dentist when their first tooth emerges.
Why Do They Need an Appointment So Soon?
The timeframe above may seem surprising. Why would they need to see a dentist before all their teeth have come in? There are a few reasons for this:
- Teeth are vulnerable from the get-go. Teeth are susceptible to cavities as soon as they have erupted, so it is wise to begin taking care of them immediately. If there are any issues with the tooth, they can be addressed promptly. You can also prevent small issues from becoming more expensive and traumatic down the road.
- You can anticipate other issues. By examining the first tooth, your children’s dentist can not only determine if it is healthy and strong, but also predict if this will be true of the rest of their teeth. This can help you make future plans as the rest of their teeth erupt.
- Future dental and medical anxiety is reduced. When children start seeing a dentist early in life, they become accustomed to the dentist’s office and clinical settings in general. This means they will be less likely to fear visiting the dentist or other doctors in the future since it is already a familiar environment to them.
Hall Family Dentistry is a judgment-free Indianapolis family dentist offering pediatric dentistry, as well as general, cosmetic and restorative services! Call our office today at (317) 204-8096. You can also schedule an appointment online.