Your baby's first visit to the dentist is an important event in their oral health journey. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should have their 1st dental appointment before they celebrate their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in.


 

Why Is the 1st Dental Appointment So Important?

There are several reasons why the AAPD recommends that your child have their first appointment early on.

 

Getting Familiar With the Dentist's Office

When your baby starts seeing a dentist, it's important to make it a good experience. This is one reason why it's recommended that you see a pediatric dentist for your child's first appointment. Pediatric dentists know how to work specifically with children and often have brightly colored walls, fun office themes, and equipment to help children calm down and distract themselves.

 

Much of the 1st dental appointment is simply familiarizing your baby with the sights, sounds, and sensations of a dental visit. This will help to ease any potential anxiety or fear your child may have about future dentist visits.

 

Early Detection and Monitoring Growth

By visiting the dentist early, they can identify potential oral health issues such as tooth decay or misaligned teeth and treat them on time. Also, they can monitor the growth of baby teeth. Primary teeth are essential for the proper development of your child's speech, bite, and overall oral health. Dental checkups can help ensure that baby teeth are growing in correctly and that there are no issues that may affect their permanent teeth.

 

Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits at the 1st Dental Appointment

The 1st dental appointment is an opportunity for you to learn how to properly clean and care for your baby's teeth and gums and give them a solid foundation for a healthy mouth. We'd love to help you and your baby with their very first appointment; get in touch with us today!