There are many precious firsts in your child’s life. First food, first word, first tooth. You know the power of making memories with your child as they experience each first, so why not make one more? If you ever have wondered: “When should my baby visit the dentist?” the answer is, soon. This is one memory you can do your best to make wonderful, and could be an effective way to set your child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
What Should I Tell My Child?
Your goal in early dental visits is giving your child a comfortable familiarity and a happy set of memories associated with the dentist and oral hygiene. Treat the dentist as your child’s friend, and helper in achieving a healthy smile. Encourage them now to maintain consistent habits by including them in their oral hygiene routine as early as you are able. Fun toothbrushes, fun dental visits, fun memories are one way to accomplish this. You can make oral hygiene a lifelong habit they enjoy by building memories now that underscore its importance and treat it as a pleasant part of daily life. If the dentist makes you anxious, it is best not to share these anxieties with your child before they visit the dentist.
When Should I Take My Child For Their First Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to take their child to visit the dentist before they turn 1, or within 6 months of their first tooth eruption. These visits are meant to build up comfort and confidence for your child, so that they are familiar with the dentist by the time a cavity appears. The first visit often does not require x rays, but is an opportunity to discuss your child’s health history and eating habits with your dentist. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask the Dentist for ways to help encourage good oral health for your child.
Why Should I Take My Child So Young?
Although baby teeth are not permanent, their care is important and can impact adult teeth coming in later. Starting dental care at an early age helps your child to gain familiarity and confidence in going to the dentist, and gives you resources to help them build confidence in at home habits as well.
We are here to help you and your child establish good oral health. Let us become a part of making good memories with your little one by scheduling an appointment at your Santa Fe, NM local dentist so you can get started in planning a special first time for your baby to visit the dentist.