There’s a lot of information out there about the right age to take your child to visit a dentist but ask a Dallas Children’s Dental Network pediatric dentist and you’ll find that the answer to be consistent across the board. Following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, DCDN dentists recommend bringing your infant to a pediatric dentist as soon as their first baby tooth erupts or by their first birthday — whichever comes first!
Get It Done In Year One
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend a dental visit for children by age one. While this may seem early, establishing a “dental home” early in your child’s life is important so they can be monitored and evaluated at regular intervals as their baby teeth develop and, eventually, turn transition into their permanent adult teeth.
What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Visit?
Infants, toddlers, pre-teens, and teenagers have very different dental needs, and pediatric dentists are uniquely qualified to provide the specialized care they need. Your child’s first dental visit gives them (and you) time to meet their dentist in a low-stress environment in order to build trust and confidence. This time provides a great opportunity to talk to your kid’s dentist about any questions or concerns you may have in regards to their baby teeth. During your child’s first exam, our pediatric dental specialists may ask about your child’s oral hygiene routine. Understanding your at-home care routine helps us understand the unique needs of your little one. Though this visit provides your dentist with a lot of helpful information about your child’s needs, we often recommend a follow-up visit to do a quick exam of your child’s mouth, once they feel comfortable with their new dental home.
Developing good oral hygiene starts with your child’s baby teeth and continues throughout their entire life. To maintain healthy baby teeth and promote healthy adult teeth, it’s important to schedule regular visits to your child’s dentist. At Dallas Children’s Dental Network, our pediatric dentists have been working with children for years, and we love having new families visit our practices. We know that caring for your family’s health is a full-time job which is why we are always willing to offer support in any way we can. If you’re in need of an experienced pediatric dental office, find a DCDN office near you today!