When Is It Time for a First Dental Visit?
Most parents wonder when is the right time for their child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist.
The simple answer is that it is almost never too early. By the time your child’s first or second tooth has erupted is a great time to call for the first appointment. This can range widely between 3 months of age to 9 months of age. When those initial baby teeth emerge, called eruption, it is time to make the phone call.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry makes the timing decision easy to remember. They recommend to have the first appointment no later than by age one:
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
While this is widely agreed upon, it is also highly recommended to visit the pediatric dentist even earlier. As early as 6 months of age. After the first little pearly whites have erupted is the best guide.
Many parents have made the mistake of thinking that baby teeth will fall out anyway so why be concerned about them. But this is potentially dangerous thinking. A primary tooth sets the stage for the properly developing permanent tooth and the overall structure and use of the developing jaw.
Hawaii is one state that is pushing an education campaign which goes by the name of Dentist by One:
Hawaii Dental Service’s “Dentist by One” educational campaign | KHON2
HDS is supporting a number of initiatives to improve oral health of children in our state to make dental care more accessible for Hawaii residents, whether they have HDS or not.
HDS has launched a “Dentist by One” educational campaign last week to urge parents to take their children to see a dentist by their first birthday.
It includes TV and radio public service announcements, and providing educational brochures and toothbrush kits to pediatricians and dentists to give to new parents.
The campaign’s message is based on the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children’s first dental visit should occur before their first birthday.
It’s best for your child to see a dentist early for preventive care and avoid the need for costly care. It’s just like a well-baby visit with a pediatrician.
Parents should be concerned about their child’s baby teeth because tooth decay can occur as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts. Decay in primary teeth increases the risk of decay in the permanent teeth. Strong, healthy primary teeth help a child chew and speak.
They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth growing under the gums. Oral health ultimately can affect a child’s overall health and well being. Hawaii Dental Service’s “Dentist by One” educational campaign | KHON2
Many parents wait until the child is 2 or 3 thinking a baby tooth do not need attention. This article from the Philippine Star highlights one woman who wishes she had not waited. Please have your son or daughter’s oral health attended to early.
2 is too late: An interview with a pediatric dentist | Health And Family, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
2 is too late: An interview with a pediatric dentist | Health And Family, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com “When is the right time?” you might ask.
Most pediatric dentists will tell you that the best time to bring your child for their first check-up is when the first tooth appears, or no later than his or her first birthday.
So bringing your child when he or she is already two years old is definitely too late!
This is something I learned the hard way, even if I am a mom of four kids. We did not bring our kids to the dentist at the recommended time, and had to “suffer” the consequences!
Many publicans such as this the Morning Sun in Pittsburg, Kansas are seeing the need to inform their readers of this important fact. Their following article highlights some thoughts from a pediatrician:
When to brush teeth and see a dentist – News – Morning Sun – Pittsburg, KS
As a Pediatrician, I often get asked when parents should start brushing their child’s teeth and when they should go to the dentist. I have even had parents tell me before that they did not brush their child’s teeth because “they are baby teeth and will fall out anyway.”
Tooth paste is not recommended at this age. You can start using “training toothpaste” that does not contain fluoride around 1 year old.
Toothpaste that contains fluoride should not be started until the child is 2 years old or old enough to know how to spit instead of swallowing the toothpaste.
When you do start using regular, fluorinated toothpaste, it is important to just start with a small, pea sized amount until the child gets the hang of using toothpaste.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children see a dentist as soon as their first teeth come through the gums. However, this is not always practical as not all dentists will see children before 2-4 years of age. When to brush teeth and see a dentist – News – Morning Sun – Pittsburg, KS
This last statement is very important. A general dentist’s lack of training regarding treating primary teeth is a primary reason for consulting directly with a specialized Pediatric Dentist. They are trained to understand this early development and what is needed for developing teeth from ages 1 to 21.
They are especially knowledgeable regarding oral health during the first years of a baby’s life. Most general practitioners are not trained or knowledgeable to understand the little one’s pearly whites.
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Full Post Can be Found Here: Fountain Pediatric Dentist – Your Child’s First Visit
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