For new parents, there are seemingly endless considerations to make when it comes to the health of their children. Visits to the dentist are one of those considerations that are important to make. Just like children are constantly experiencing new things, so are new parents, and taking your child to the dentist is no different. New parents often have several questions when it comes to the right time to take their children to the dentist. In this post from the Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry blog, we’ll discuss the right time to take your child to the dentist.
When Is The Right Time For A Child’s First Dentist Visit?
As a rule of thumb, new parents should take their child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth grows in. According to the American Dental Association, newborn children tend to get their first tooth at around 6 months old. No matter when your child’s first tooth comes in, you should take them to the dentist before their first birthday. If you spot anything that looks off in the mouth of your child, like bleeding, white spots, or cuts, you should make a dentist’s appointment as soon as possible.
Why Should My Child Go To The Dentist At Such A Young Age?
Tooth decay affects approximately 1 in 5 children that are under the age of 5 years old. By bringing your child to the dentist as early as possible, your dental professional will be able to provide them with the necessary treatment more effectively. At our Lakeway Pediatric dental office in Lakeway, TX, our pediatric dentists check for injuries, tooth decay, and any other issues that may be present in the mouth of a young child.
Bringing a child in at a younger age also allows our pediatric dentists to track changes in the mouth of children. This ensures proper growth and development of the teeth, which sets your child up for a lifetime of a bright and healthy smile.
What To Expect From Your Child’s First Dentist Visit?
When you bring your child to the dentist for the first time, you will be present in the room with them. If they’re moving excessively or won’t sit still in the dental chair, the pediatric dentist may ask you to hold your child on your lap to make them as comfortable as possible. Once your child has settled, the dentist will perform a routine exam, looking for tooth decay, and checking the gums, jaw, and bite of your child. They’ll also look for issues with the frenum, or other issues that may cause speech issues or teeth development later on in life. Then, they’ll clean the teeth and gums of your baby, and provide you with advice on how to take care of your child’s teeth going forward.
From there, your dentist will likely recommend biannual visits, but it may be more based on your child’s dental health. There are so many considerations to make regarding the health of your child, and finding a reliable pediatric dentist like those here at Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry makes it much easier.
Looking For A Pediatric Dentist in Lakeway & Austin, TX? Trust Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry
At Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry, our Austin pediatric dental office has years of experience working with children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a new dentist for your newborn or your teen, Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment to visit one of our Austin pediatric dentists!