When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?

When should I take my child to the dentist?

Are you unsure when to take my child to the dentist for the first time and what to consider when visiting a pediatric dentist?

Many parents don’t realize the importance of dental care for their children. It is one of the most neglected things parents don’t usually add to their to-do lists. When your child starts getting teeth, they can decay as soon as the oral hygiene upsets. So, taking your child for regular dental visits to recognize the importance of oral health is essential for their well-being. 

Being a new parent, you have to experience multiple new things. Your child’s dental care should be one of your top priorities, as even one decay could be highly problematic for your little one. To help you make the right decision at the right time, read more to learn about your child’s oral health needs and the right age to visit a pediatric dentist.

Does My Child Need A Pediatric Dentist? 

Many conditions that may not be visible could interrupt your child’s healthy teeth development. Only a visit to the pediatric dentist could help you catch such conditions at an early age and correct the problems to ensure healthy oral development. 

Right age to take your child to the pediatric dentist

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oral diseases can significantly affect children’s speech, function, growth, and social development. So, if you want your child to stay happy and healthy, regular visits to the pediatric dentist are the key.

Don’t wait for any harmful consequences to happen. Always stay a step ahead to take care of your child’s oral health and wellness. 

How Often Should I Plan Dental Visits for My Child?

Key ages for pediatric dental visits

As per the American Dental Association, you should schedule your child’s appointment with a pediatric dentist within less than one year as soon as the baby’s first tooth erupts. Isn’t it surprising? Well, it is!

You can’t always judge whether your child is getting normal oral development. So, take your child to the pediatric dentist for regular checkups. The right age to visit a pediatric dentist for routine checkup is: 

  • 1 year
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 2 years
  • 30 months
  • 3 years 
  • 4 years

Afterward, you can continue your children’s visit to the pediatric dentist annually.  

Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

You may prefer taking your child to your personal dentist, but it may not be worth it. Someone who specializes in dealing with kids dental care and knows more about their specific requirements, oral problems, managing excessive gagging, and fears is a much better option.

You can ask your fellow parents for pediatric dentist recommendations in your area or make an appointment with a well-known pediatric dentist in Houston, having more than 20 years of experience dealing with kids in Houston.

You can choose a pediatric dentist for various other reasons. It can be the appealing room decor with engaging paintings, toys, magazines, and games, which make a child’s experience visiting the dentist more pleasing instead of scary.

Pediatric dentists are well-experienced to turn a child’s fear into fun and joy. They also have specialized dental equipment for the kids to avoid discomfort and pain and also offer pediatric sedation dentistry.

So, you should select the right dentist for your child who could bring smiles to your children and positively deal with them to let them feel safe, happy, and excited for the upcoming dental visits.