Being a new parent is a thrilling and wonderful experience, but one that is accompanied by many questions – especially as they pertain to the health of your child. Often among these questions is “When should they first visit the dentist?”. Not to worry, there is plenty of trustworthy medical guidance available on the matter, guidance that we will share with you.
According to Stephanie Goodson, M.D. , a pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital , “A visit should take place by their first birthday, or six months after the first tooth becomes visible — whichever is earlier.” This rule of thumb is echoed by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. As it turns out, many parents are surprised by this early age range; many people assume that the real importance of dentistry arises after children develop and lose their temporary baby teeth. This is a perfectly reasonable assumption.
After all, what is the importance of dentistry when they will only have these teeth for a short time?
The answer might surprise you. Dental disease is actually quite common among children, and an early visit to the dentist can help identify such a condition, allowing them to begin treatment or preventative measures before the issue becomes more severe.
While this is perhaps the most important reason to see a dentist earlier rather than later, there are many other benefits, as well.
Parental Preparation
This point is especially important for new parents. Your dentist can be an important educational resource in the care and maintenance of your child’s teeth. They can provide information
about issues such as:
- Tooth decay resulting from bottle feeding
- Best infant feeding practices
- Infant mouth cleaning
- Teething
- Pacifier habits and use
- Finger- and thumb-sucking habits
Reducing Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety, or fear surrounding dental visits, is believed to affect approximately 36% of the population
. This unfortunate yet understandable condition can prevent people from getting the preventative care they need when they need it, which can lead to issues like tooth decay, infected teeth, periodontal (gum) disease and many other painful issues that are quite costly to fix. Beginning dental visits early can help acclimate your child to a dental setting, thus normalizing the experience in their mind and allowing it to become a normal and acceptable part of life. This will help them both now and later, by helping them tolerate or even enjoy dental visits in their younger years (don’t forget the chest of toys!) and set them on a path of regular dental cleanings and examinations later in life.
Oral health is a critical component in overall health, and getting into good habits early – while also identifying, treating or preventing existing or potential issues – can help set them up for a happy and healthy life. Don’t forget to keep up with good oral hygiene habits at home. Your dentist can help you find ways to make these habits fun and engaging for kids!
If you have more questions about children’s dentistry or you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation, give Petersen Family Dentistry a call at (720) 308-9798 or contact us online .
