When you’re a parent, your child’s health is your top priority. Part of your child’s health includes your child’s oral health. There are so many questions parents have: When should I bring my child in for their first visit? How do I ease my child’s anxiety? What type of toothbrush should I get my child? Are baby teeth really even that important?
These are all common questions and we have the answers!
Bring Your Child in by Age of 1
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AADP) recommends that you should bring your child in for their first dental visit at by the age of 1 of within in 6 months after their first tooth pops up.
Easing Your Child’s Anxiety
There are many things you can do to help your child feel good, or even better excited, about coming to the dentist.
- Reading books about the dentist can help your child feel familiar with the dentist or even
- Watching short videos of other children at the dentist can ease some worries and anxiety about coming. It might help for them to see other people their age going through the same thing.
- Make sure to talk to your child about the dentist, tell them what to expect and how much fun it will be!
Washing Your Baby’s Mouth
Even before your child’s teeth erupt, its important to clean their mouth and gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. This helps prepare your baby for the teeth cleaning to come.
Baby Teeth Matter!
Some people may think, “well the baby teeth are going to fall out so why do they matter anyway?” Well they do! It’s important for your child’s baby teeth to stay in place until they are ready to fall out. If decay in a baby tooth is not treated, it can cause pain, impair speech, and could damage permanent teeth or cause them to grow in crooked.
If you have any other questions about your baby’s first dental visit, set up an appointment with us today!
