It’s important to establish healthy dental habits for your children early in life. When should children go to the dentist for the first time? The answer may be earlier than you think: Children should visit the dentist for the first time by the age of 1, if not earlier depending on the emergence of their first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.

Pediatric Dentistry

Visiting the dentist is a new experience for kids, and it’s natural that the unfamiliarity of the environment or situation would cause some tense nerves. Some children may be apprehensive or nervous about getting in the dentist chair and allowing the dental professionals to examine their teeth for the recommended dental check-up. Going to a practice that specializes in pediatric dentistry can make all the difference. Pediatric dentists specialize in dentistry services for children and they are accustomed to examining and engaging with children.

What Happens During the First Visit?

During your child’s first dental visit, the dentist will carefully examine their teeth and gums. By your child’s second birthday, they likely have a fair amount of baby teeth, and the dentist is able to see how they’re coming in and monitor the child’s dental development. In addition to the exam, the child will experience a moderate and gentle cleaning. The cleaning will remove any plaque or tartar build-up to prevent tooth decay and keep teeth healthy.

Early Oral Hygiene is Important

You may think that because those baby teeth will eventually fall out that early oral hygiene is not a priority; this is a common misconception. The reality is early dental development sets the stage for your child’s adult teeth and oral health. Tooth decay in children’s teeth can lead to more serious oral disease and potentially infect the inner structure of the teeth and jaw.

ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:

At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.