Book Your free ortho consultation >

The aao recommends that children have their first orthodontic visit by age 7

Pediatric Dentists Recommend Two Cleanings/Exams A Year

pin pin pin

When To Bring Your Child to the Dentist

We are excited to help your child smile!

Book Now Gallery FAQ'S

Questions & Answers

When To Bring Your Child to the Dentist

arrow-down
When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time when they are about 6 months old or when their first tooth erupts. This initial appointment helps your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensures that they are growing and developing correctly.

arrow-down
Why should I bring my child to the dentist so young?

These early visit to the dentist help your child establish a “dental home.” This allows them to feel comfortable in the dental office and prevents feelings of anxiety, discomfort and fear in the future, as well as allowing our pediatric dentist and team to develop a positive and trusting relationship with your child. We are also here to be a resource for you and work with you to monitor your child’s oral growth and development to ensure they receive all the care they need to keep their mouth and smile healthy.

arrow-down
How often should my child visit the dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist at least once every six months, or twice a year. These routine visits allow your child to receive preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, to help keep their mouth and smile healthy. Depending on your child’s individual needs, our pediatric dentist may recommend a more frequent schedule of visits.

Learn more

When To Bring Your Child to the Dentist

 

New parents often wonder when they should bring their child to the dentist for the first time. We, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend that you bring your child to meet with our pediatric dentist by age 1 or as soon as their first tooth erupts.

Many people are surprised by this early visit as children have so few teeth at this stage of development. These initial visits rarely involve treatment and are instead designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and to help you learn the best ways to care for your child’s oral health and smile as they grow and develop.

It is also important to note the importance of these early visits in helping prevent cavities. Cavities remain the single most common chronic childhood disease — five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever — and unfortunately, national studies have shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children. Waiting to bring your child to the dentist until age 3 or older is no longer enough to help prevent tooth decay. For this reason, we recommend that you bring your child in by age 1 so that they can begin to benefit from quality care as soon as possible.

Even if your child is older, it is never too late for their dental visit. Older children often participate and learn from their first visit in ways that younger children cannot, and it is never too late to help your child learn good oral habits. Regardless of age, your child’s first dental visit is their first step on a lifetime journey towards good oral health and beautiful smiles.

Give us a call today to schedule your child’s appointment at Pediatric Dentistry and Braces and learn more!

Back to Top