It is never too early to develop healthy oral habits. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, your baby should see a dentist before their first birthday or six months after their first tooth erupts.
At birth, your baby’s teeth are already in the mouth when they are born, hidden in the gums. There are ten on top, and ten on the bottom. These primary teeth start emerging between six and twelve months, and by the time your child is three all twenty should come in.
This early dental visit will help you see how your child is developing. It will also help you know how to care for your child’s developing teeth and help your child’s first dental experience make them feel comfortable at the dental office.
This visit will introduce your little one to the atmosphere in a dental office build your child’s trust interacting with the dental team. It won’t be a long visit, it will likely be kept to 15-30 minutes. The goal is to give your child a pleasant first experience at the dental office, to prepare them for future visits in a positive way. Too help your child feel their best, schedule the visit in the morning to minimize tiredness. This will help them feel more calm and cooperative, making it a happy experience for them.
Your dental team will go over the following:
–How you can help your baby during teething.
–Understanding how your child is progressing.
–Handling your child’s oral habits, like finger or thumb sucking.
–Avoiding accidents that could harm your child’s teeth.
–How a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
This is also a good time for you to ask any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.
What to expect:
–Your child’s teeth, jaw, gums, and bite will be carefully checked to make sure development is on track and that there are no problems.
–A gentle cleaning may be done if necessary.
–X-rays may be taken.
–The dentist will explain how to clean your child’s teeth at home.
–Your dentist will check to see if fluoride is needed, if your child is cavity prone.
Prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles by developing healthy oral habits. Call our dental team at 925.344.5757 today if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health!