What’s the right age for the first visit to the dentist? It’s one of the many questions that parents usually ask when the time comes to think about the oral health of their child.
The team at the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville is there to answer all your questions regarding the first visit of your child to the dentist. We will explain all the unexpected benefits that this visit can have on you and your child.
What’s the Right Age for the First Dental Visit?
Generally, it’s recommended to make an appointment at the dentist for your child within 6 months following the appearance of the first teeth. Depending on the situation or the development of your baby’s teeth, you can also set the date for the first visit to the dentist before your baby is 1 year old.
It’s particularly important not to hesitate to make an appointment at the dentist if you suspect a problem with your child’s mouth, or if you have any questions concerning its oral development needs.
After the first visit, opening a file at the dentist will ensure regular follow-up for your child.
What to Expect During the First Visit to the Dentist?
The first visit to the dentist is, first of all, a preventive appointment. In fact, its purpose is to ensure that your child’s teeth grow normally and that everything is going well with its oral health.
Experts in pediatric dentistry are trained to be able to evaluate the oral development of children, even when primary teeth have only just started to appear.
The dentist will look for signs of early childhood tooth decay, also known as “baby bottle tooth decay.” Even if the primary teeth will be replaced eventually by permanent teeth (adult teeth), it’s important to treat any cavities that appear on the teeth of your child to avoid potential complications caused by an infection.
The dentist will check if the development of your child is progressing well and if there are any problems. In fact, they will be able to detect the preliminary signs of various complications, like:
- Developmental language disorder
- Tongue-tie
- Teeth misalignment
- Etc.
In short, a professional will be able to confirm if everything is going well in the mouth of your child and recommend solutions if they see any problems. That’s why it’s important to have this first visit while your child is very young.
Avoiding a Fear of the Dentist
Another advantage of organizing a first visit to the dentist for your baby is to prevent it from developing a fear of the dentist. Since visits to the dentist should be frequent to ensure good oral health follow-up, it’s important to put the child at ease. Demystifying the dentist will prevent your child from fearing the next appointments.
That’s why the first visit can be used to familiarize the child with the procedures involved during a dental appointment. The dentist can also show the child some of the tools they’ll be using.
There’s nothing to fear from an appointment with a health professional. That’s something that can be learned very early on, to prevent your child from developing a phobia that could remain for a long time.
The First Visit to the Dentist Is Also Rewarding for the Parents
The first visit to the dentist is not only to ensure the proper oral development of your child. In fact, it also allows you to learn more about your child’s needs, and the ways you can help them to take care of their mouth.
A health professional will be able to give you various recommendations concerning:
- The appropriate preventive care for children
- The best ways to protect teeth
- The methods that can be used to reinforce teeth enamel
- And many other topics!
The dentist can also easily answer any questions you might have. In short, the first visit to the dentist is also an occasion to learn more about your child’s needs and what you can do to ensure that they maintain good oral hygiene habits.
At the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville, we build on a warm and human approach that aims to make sure no one fears their next dental appointment. Regardless of your dental needs, contact us today!