Like adults, children should visit a dentist twice each year for a cleaning and exam. According to the American Dental Association, their first visit should happen much sooner than most parents realize. The organization’s general guidance states that parents should plan to schedule their baby’s first dental appointment at around six months old or when the first tooth appears.

Why Do Children Need to See a Dentist So Early?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that approximately 20 percent of children under five years old have some degree of tooth decay. By working with a dentist early in your child’s life, you can learn and pass along good oral health habits to your child. A dentist who works with infants can also help you get through the teething process with your baby. If your child does develop an oral health issue, visiting the dentist on a bi-annual schedule is the best way to diagnose and treat it early.Here is what you can expect at your child’s first dental appointment, depending on their age and level of ability:

• Clean your child’s teeth and gums
• Review the oral hygiene routine you have with your child
• Remove any dental plaque that has built up on your child’s teeth
• Demonstrate the best way to brush your child’s teeth based on developmental milestones

Another benefit of starting dental appointments early is that your child will learn to trust the dentist and not develop the anxiety many older children feel about visiting the dentist. Keeping up with bi-annual appointments reinforces this level of trust in your child.

Caring for a Baby’s Teeth at Home

Parents often feel surprised to learn that they should clean their baby’s gums even before the first teeth arrive. You just need to take a small piece of gauze or cloth, get it slightly wet with water, and rub it over your baby’s gums after each feeding. Using a soft toothbrush designed especially for very young children is another option. Just be sure not to put any toothpaste with fluoride on the toothbrush until your child is at least two years old.

Signs of Tooth Decay in Children

According to the National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research, 42 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have at least one dental cavity in a primary tooth. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitivity of the teeth or gums
• Stains on the surface of a tooth that can be black, brown, or white in color

Parents sometimes make the mistake of assuming that primary teeth fall out and are therefore not worth treating. Unfortunately, untreated tooth decay can cause premature loss of baby teeth that could have a negative impact when the permanent teeth erupt.

Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today

Find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit with our trusted dentists. We welcome new pediatric patients and are excited to work with your family.