When should a child go to the dentist for the first time? The answer might surprise you because that first visit has little to do with teeth. Dental anxiety is a condition that affects up to 15 percent of the adult population in the U.S. Oftentimes, that fear starts when you are little, so getting your child used to go to the dentist is one possible way to avoid it. What else do you need to know about taking your child to the dentist? Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch is here to help provide you with pediatric dentistry and general dentistry services to help your entire family meet all of their oral health needs.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist For The First Visit
Experts recommend that children see the dentist for the first time when they are between six months and one year old. The ideal time to visit a dentist is when that first tooth appears.
That first visit is a great chance to meet the dentist and experience staples of a dental office like the chair and sink. It also gives the dentist a general sense of how the teeth are coming in and to provide parents with some information about pediatric dental health and ways to avoid common pitfalls like cavities. The best way to avoid large dental problems in the future is to stay on top of regular checkups and make sure that you are keeping up with your oral health.
Regular Check-Ups
You should seek regular dental visits beyond the first initial visit, though. The next visit to the dentist should be around age two when more teeth are in place or earlier if the dentist thinks it is necessary.
After that, the standard six-month interval begins. It is critical that parents follow through with those routine six-month visits and teeth cleanings not only to give kids their best chance at a beautiful smile but also make it a habit that will grow with them into adulthood.
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
When you are figuring out when to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you should also keep in mind that you should also take them in during a dental emergency. For example:
- If your child has mouth pain or a feeling of pressure in the gums or teeth
- If a tooth breaks or chips
- A filling falls out
- Problems with braces or another orthopedic device
- There is swelling or oozing in the gums
If you are not sure if you are having a dental emergency, call us or just walk-in to one of our offices in TX. If your child is in pain, then it’s okay to give them a pediatric dose of a pain reliever. Also, an ice pack on the area will help.
If your child has a permanent tooth knocked out and needs emergency dental services, it is important to come right to one of the offices. Save as much of the tooth as possible, as well. Rinse it in warm water and then store the tooth in milk or saltwater. Firmly apply gauze to the mouth if there is bleeding.
Contact Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch
Lovett Dental is a multidisciplinary practice, meaning we offer a variety of services including:
At Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch, we provide dentistry for the whole family. The key to teeth that last a lifetime is prevention. That starts with parents asking the question, “When should a child go to the dentist?” If you are still not sure, give Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch a call at 713-244-7799 for more information.
