At What Age Should Children Begin Going To The Dentist?

If you have a newborn or infant, you know that their healthcare journey begins right away with regular visits to the pediatrician to monitor for proper growth and development. While you don’t need to bring your newborn or young infant to a dentist right away, it is something to be aware of and plan for in the future. Which begs the question: when do you need to schedule that first dental visit?

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and many other pediatric dental experts, your child should see a dentist with experience treating pediatric patients when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. This helps to prevent dental problems. Typically, this means the first visit happens anywhere between six months to around one year old, when you can expect the lower front teeth to begin to come in.

Though it may seem early in their life, this first visit is necessary for multiple reasons. First, it serves to establish your child’s dental home, where you can be comfortable that your child will receive proper care. The first visit also allows us to discuss proper oral hygiene and nutritional counseling to prevent tooth decay in the future. Finally, we want to ensure your child’s teeth are erupting and developing correctly without any signs of active tooth decay. 

In fact, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Unfortunately, it’s almost always preventable. It’s common for some parents to bring their children to a dentist for their first visit at ages three or four. At this point, some have already developed cavities and tooth decay from poor dietary and oral hygiene habits that may have been avoided with a routine checkup earlier in life.

Every child is different, so whether the first teeth start to appear earlier or later than expected, it won’t be long before they are ready for their first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry

How Should I Clean My Baby's Teeth?

Once your baby has teeth, it’s best to use a toothbrush as it removes plaque bacteria that can cause dental decay. Be sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. A toothbrush designed for infants or small children is ideal. You should brush their teeth at least twice per day, when your child wakes up and before they go to bed.

Is Thumbsucking or the Use of a Pacifier Harmful to My Child's Dental Health?

Thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier are typically only problematic if they continue past two years old. Thankfully, most young children stop these behaviors on their own. However, if your child is still sucking their thumb or using a pacifier after their second birthday, their pediatric dentist may recommend a mouth appliance.

Are You Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit? Call the Dental Professionals at Excellent Dentistry Today

Your child’s first dental visit is the first step in giving them a healthy mouth from the start. If you have questions about your child’s dental health, taking care of their teeth at home, or are ready to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, call our Mundelein, IL office at 847-566-7850 or make an appointment online.