A common mistake made by parents is putting off important healthcare visits for their child. One health visit that is often overlooked is a visit to a family dentist. Many parents wrongly assume they can wait until a child has most or all of their teeth. However, it is recommended that a child see a dentist much earlier than that. In this article, we will cover when your child is ready to see a dentist, what happens during early dental visits for children, and how to pick the right dentist for your children. If you live in the Lewiston Maine area and need a family dentist, please give us a call.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
Dentists recommend that your child comes in for their first dental visit either within the first 6 months after their first tooth erupts or when they are one year old. A first dental visit is extremely important for a child. Instead of waiting for the child to have more teeth, you should see a dentist right when the first teeth start coming in. Not only can a dentist check the health of your child’s emerging teeth, but they can provide you with important information on how to care for your child’s teeth in the first few months and years of their oral development.
What Happens During A Child's First Dental Visit?
The first dental visit is usually around 30 minutes to an hour long at most dental offices. Some common elements of a first dental visit are a full dental exam that includes looking at your child’s tooth or teeth, gums, bite, and oral health in general. Your child might receive a gentle cleaning from the dentist, and the dentist might demonstrate some oral care tips for the parents. X-rays are often not taken at this point but might be taken if your child is older. X-rays are often avoided for very young children unless medically necessary.
What Happens At Follow-Up Dental Appointments For Kids
As your child ages they should be seeing the dentist once every six months or twice per year. The frequency of dental visits means that your child’s oral health can be tracked and monitored by a dental team. X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and exams all go a long way in making sure that any signs of dental issues are caught and addressed early on.
Schedule A Family Dental Appointment in Maine
If you live in Lewiston Maine or the surrounding area, and are interested in a dental appointment for your children or have questions about your child’s oral health, please give us a call or click below to contact us.