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When Should My Child Start Going to the Dentist?

When Should My Child Start Going to the Dentist? | Dental Remedies
April 25, 2022

When you become a parent, it can be quite difficult to keep up with the number of changes that happen in the first few years. The time before your baby can have solid foods will seem like a blink when you look back on it. There will be so many milestones reached in the first year especially, that will make your head spin. Getting their first tooth is an exciting moment for the entire family. But many parents are left asking, “When should my child start going to the dentist?” Starting a young child with going to the dentist is mostly about getting comfortable with these visits and ultimately, setting strong habits of keeping routine dental appointments. New environments can be overwhelming and scary for children. Showing them often and from a young age that dental appointments are just a part of life will lessen the intimidation of having their mouth looked at by a dentist.

The first appointment

Even though there may only be one or two teeth in your baby’s mouth, brushing twice a day is still very important. Cleaning the teeth so that they do not develop plaque can keep your baby’s mouth healthy. A wide recommendation is to bring your baby to the dentist before their first birthday to have their tiny collection of teeth examined by a dentist. A baby’s first dental appointment is just as much for education for the parents as it is for the oral exam. Others say waiting until two or three years of age may be more appropriate for families who have established good oral hygiene habits for their youngsters like not snacking in the night, transitioning to a cup, and giving up pacifiers.

What to look for in a dentist

When researching a dentist for your child, there are several things to consider before deciding which dentist is right for your child. You will want to know how the dental staff and dentist interact with children and if they are experienced with treating children. Finding a friendly, welcoming dental office to introduce your child to can give them the foundation they need to carry on good oral hygiene habits and schedule routine appointments throughout their lives.

Lead by example

Kids are excellent copycats and often try to dress and act like their parents. If they see you drinking coffee every morning, they may try to get their hands on a mug just so they can sip their drink as if it were coffee. Use their natural desire to be like you to instill good oral hygiene habits.

  • Invite them to brush their teeth in the morning while you are brushing your teeth.
  • Make sure your children are aware that you always brush your teeth before going to bed.
  • Show them how to tilt their brush at a slight angle so the bristles gently touch the gums and clean where the teeth and gums meet.
  • Routinely look at your children’s teeth and point out missed spots. Sometimes children and adults alike create habits that could accidentally exclude places in their mouths from brushing. Making your children aware of spots that look more yellowed or may have developed hardened plaque can help them learn to address these spots and set good brushing habits.

If you are looking for a friendly and welcoming environment for your child’s first dental appointment and you are living in St. Augustine, FL, look no further than Dental Remedies. Get your child’s first appointment scheduled today!

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DR. SHANTA SINGH

Dentist

Healthcare has always been a passion of Dr. Shanta Singh’s. A lover of technology, education and fitness, Dr. Singh realized from an early age that her true calling lay in the field of dentistry.

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