Maintaining your child’s teeth is important because dental hygiene can affect the rest of the body as well. It can be a slippery slope. For example, bad oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis and then periodontitis, all of which can cause heart problems and more.

You might be asking yourself, “When should a child go to the dentist?”

Keep reading to learn all about when kids should visit the dentist for the first time.

When Do Babies Need to Go to the Dentist?

As soon as a mouth has teeth, the potential for rot and other health problems exists. Although your pediatrician can apply a fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth, you should still see a professional in the dental field.

So if you ever asked yourself, “What age do kids go to the dentist?” it is probably sooner than you might think.

While there is no clear-cut answer, most professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist for the first time around 6 months after the first tooth has appeared or by their first birthday.

The rule of thumb, though, is that the earlier your child goes, the better. It’s always easier and cheaper to prevent oral problems than to deal with them once they actually set in.

How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?

Because your child is so young, they won’t have too many teeth to deal with, so your dentist will simply check on the teeth that are there. They will also check up on the health of the gums, the development of the bite, and more.

Like adults, it is recommended that children see the dentist once every six months, but it could be beneficial for your child’s comfort and confidence to see the dentist twice every six months. That way, the experience will be more familiar and less scary for them.

Preparing for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Most adults hate going to the dentist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your child a positive first experience.

Even though babies are too young to understand language, they are very good at perceiving the tone of your voice and your body language. If you act excited and happy about their visit, they are much more likely to be excited and happy too.

You should speak with your kids dentist ahead of time to make sure you’re aware of their methods and that there are no surprises for you or your little one.

Once the dentist starts to look around in their mouth, your child might get a little uncomfortable or upset. One way you can make sure they remain in a good mood is by bringing along their favorite toys to hold or see you play around with.

Are Your Ready for Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

Now that you know about the facts concerning your child’s first dental visit, you can prepare them for it.

Want to stay up to date on all things related to healthy and happy living? Bookmark our website and never miss a thing.