
When should my child start their dental care?
The American Dental Association and the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggest all children should have their first dental visit by the time they turn a year old, or within six months of their first tooth erupting.
What are the benefits of early dental care?
This first visit and subsequent early visits are vital to your child’s oral health. Just like regular teeth, your child’s baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay from the moment they emerge.
Although their baby teeth will eventually fall out, you need to make sure they stay healthy until then. Tooth decay can cause your child severe pain, make it difficult for them to eat, and impair their developmental milestones.
Your child’s baby teeth also save space for their adult teeth, playing a crucial role in the architecture of their smile.
Taking a preventive approach to your child’s oral health and starting their dental care early can save you money, as well. Studies have shown that children who wait until ages two or three to start dental care are more likely to require emergency visits and restorative care.
Compared to children who start dental care later, dental costs are 40% lower for children who have their first dental visit before their first birthday.
What happens at my child’s age 1 dental visit?
Your child’s first visit to Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry begins with a warm and friendly greeting from the team. One of the goals of these early visits is to give your child a positive experience at the dental office and establish a trusting relationship with their provider.
During your appointment, your dentist examines your child’s teeth to assess their oral health and establish a baseline for monitoring their growth and development. They might also give your child’s teeth a gentle cleaning.
The dental team will review proper at-home care, advise you on the need for fluoride, and answer any questions about common pediatric dentistry concerns, including:
- Baby bottle tooth decay
- Infant feeding practices
- Pacifier habits
- Finger-sucking habits
- Teething
Give your child the gift of a beautiful smile and healthy mouth by starting their dental care today. You can schedule your age 1 dental visit with Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry today by calling the office or using the convenient online booking tool.