First Dental Visit For Children – How Early?

The basic recommendation for first visits to a dentist is either sometime before their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. A baby’s first visit to a pediatric dentist usually takes about 30 minutes. The extent of the first exam will depend on your baby’s age and how many teeth have come in.

What Parents Learn at a Child’s First Dental Visit

The dentist will provide you with a lot of information during this first visit. You will learn about the risk of baby bottle tooth decay, and finger-sucking habits. The dentist will also talk to you about infant feeding practices, what to expect during teething, pacifier habits, and how to clean your baby’s mouth.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Until your child becomes old enough to hold and manage a toothbrush, you will be helping to care for their teeth and gums. Before your baby’s teeth come in, you can wipe their gums with a clean, damp cloth. When that first tooth appears, it can be brushed with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste.

Baby bottle tooth decay is a real risk that you can help to reduce. A baby should finish a bottle in 5 or 6 minutes and then it should be taken away from them. Don’t give your baby a bottle right before they go to bed or before you put them down for a nap.

By age 3, it’s recommended that they see the pediatric dentist as often as an adult does. This means a dental visit will be scheduled for them twice a year, or about once every six months.

Contact Us

Schedule your child’s dental visit with us today. We are excited to see them and start them off on a good dental foundation.