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Seeing your child grow is a beautiful experience, and we know you want to do everything to keep your child strong and healthy. Taking care of their oral health begins before they even have their first baby tooth.
Early oral hygiene habits, such as cleaning their gums and tongue, can help prevent tooth decay. But how frequently should you take your child to see the dentist? Learn when their first dentist appointment should be and other dental stumbling blocks that may necessitate a visit.
Your Child’s First Baby Tooth
Your child should ideally see a dentist after their first tooth appears or when they turn one, whichever comes first. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, caring for them is essential for developing healthy permanent teeth.
Depending on your child’s age at the time of their first dental exam, the dentist or oral hygienist will:
- Examine your child’s oral hygiene
- Remove stains and dental plaque from their teeth
- Demonstrate how to brush the teeth
Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Bring your kid to the dentist by the time they’re one year old. First visits are primarily focused on acclimating children to the dentist’s chair and educating parents on caring for their child’s teeth. When they become between the ages of four and six, your dentist will have your child undergo an x-ray to look for cavities between their teeth.
Between six and twelve, when baby teeth will make way for permanent teeth, prevention is the name of the game. Between seven and nine, the dentist could recommend a sealant, a plastic resin bonding to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Cavity-prone molars are the most likely treatment site.
Around the age of seven, your child’s dentist will likely recommend an orthodontic evaluation. Most children will put off getting braces until they are in their early twenties, but because orthodontics modifies jaw growth, identifying skeletal causes of crooked teeth early on helps ensure a beautiful smile.
In the end, it’s the basics that make the most significant difference in a child’s smile: brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and undergoing dental checkups at least twice a year.
Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Following this initial consultation, you may need to schedule another one every six months. Children’s dental exams are essential for preventive care and maintaining their oral health.
Routine check-ins allow your child’s dentist to detect early signs of tooth decay and treat them before they worsen. Taking your kid to the dentist twice per year from a young age can also help reduce their anxiety and fear. It is a great way to increase your child’s comfort and confidence, leading to less stressful visits in the future.
Conclusion
Regular dentist visits are essential for your child’s oral health. Although they may appear frightening to children at first, you can always remind them that their dentist wants to help them maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Bring their favourite toy with them to each check-in to make it easier and more comfortable for them. You could even give them a fun tooth fairy certificate as a reward for their bravery!
If you are looking for a kid’s dentist in Melbourne, turn to Clover Dental. Located on Lygon St., our dentists take special care to provide quality dental services at affordable prices. Book an appointment online!
