Dental hygiene for children starts as soon as the first tooth appears. As a parent, it is important to teach your children the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene at an early age. Many parents wonder when it is appropriate to book a dental appointment for their child, and this blog will explore at what age a child should start visiting the dentist.
1. It’s never too early to start dental care. You should start taking care of your child’s dental hygiene as early as possible, ideally when the first tooth appears. To many parents, the appearance of the first tooth can be an exciting time, but it also marks a great time to start developing healthy oral hygiene habits.
2. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or AAPD, recommends that a child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first tooth appears, or at least by their first birthday. This early visit will enable the dental professional to examine your child’s emerging teeth and provide you with the appropriate guidance regarding helpful techniques to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
3. Dental visits at an early age pave the way for preventative care. By visiting a dentist early on, you can receive tips on how to prevent cavities and develop healthy oral hygiene routines. It’s better to prevent oral issues before they arise and establish good dental care habits early on, rather than wait until your child is in pain before visiting the dentist.
4. Starting early helps reduce fears and anxiety. Children who go to the dentist early on are more likely to become comfortable with the dental environment and feel comfortable during subsequent visits. This minimizes anxiety and fear that can arise from a lack of familiarity, environment, or not knowing what to expect.
5. Establishing a good rapport with a dentist early on can help your child’s ongoing oral care and prevent future dental issues. By obtaining a reliable dental professional early, you can benefit from their ongoing care and guidance in monitoring and addressing any potential issues before they become problematic.
In conclusion, the generally recommended age for a child to start seeing the dentist is by their first birthday or right around the time when the first tooth appears. However, as highlighted in this blog, the earlier you start good oral hygiene practices, the better it is for their oral health and well-being. Starting early with dental visits can reduce fear and anxiety, establish good habits, and allow for preventative care down the road. Remember to regularly check in with your dentist to ensure your child is staying on top of their dental health.
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Cold Spring, KY 41076
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