A child’s first visit to the dentist should be informative as well as enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends...
Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts, whichever happens first. It is important that your child’s newly erupted teeth (erupting at six to 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
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When new teeth arrive
Your child’s first primary, or “baby,” teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six to 12 months, and will continue to erupt until about age three. During this time, your child’s gums may feel tender and sore.
Your child’s primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth begin erupting at age six, and continue until age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32 teeth, including wisdom teeth).
Adopting healthy oral hygiene habits
As your child’s teeth erupt, be sure to begin cleaning them at least twice a day. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that you or your child brushes his or her teeth after feeding or eating.
Preventing tooth decay with regular checkups
Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at higher risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: the enamel on the primary teeth is softer and thinner than the enamel on permanent teeth. Proper brushing and flossing routines, a healthy diet combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.
Your child should visit the dentist at least every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth at their strongest, however this may differ based on your child's unique needs. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child’s regular checkups.