Age One Dental Visit
Age One Dental Visit
The AAPD recommends dental visits start at the age of One!
As a parent, you want the best for your children. When it comes to dental health, we are here to make sure your baby gets the best dental care possible! At Smiles in Framingham, we understand how important it is to find a pediatric dentist you can really trust. Dr. Himelhoch has years of experience providing children from Framingham, Southborough, Ashland, Wayland, Natick, Marlborough, Hopkinton, Holliston, and the surrounding areas with the best pediatric dental care possible.
What age should my child see the dentist?
Dr. Himelhoch and the AAPD recommend taking your child to the dentist as early as age one. A baby typically begins to grow teeth between 6 and 12 months of age. As a good rule of thumb, plan on bringing your child to the dentist before their first birthday. You might be wondering why a trip to the dentist is suggested for such an early age. Dental problems, such as tooth decay, can begin to occur shortly after the teeth come into the mouth. Early trips to the dentist can help to prevent these early problems, and also help your children learn the dental habits needed for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
What age should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
Just like with dental visits, the earlier you start cleaning your baby’s teeth, the healthier their teeth will be! Using a soft infant toothbrush, or cloth and water, you can begin cleaning your child’s gums at birth. Once you begin to see their teeth come in, you should start brushing twice a day. Be sure to use a thin smear of toothpaste on an age-appropriate toothbrush.
What can you expect at your child’s first dental visit?
At the first visit we evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene and healthy dental habits. The very youngest children will have a short, easy appointment where we evaluate dental development and check for decay. Older children, 2 or 3+, will have an appropriate dental cleaning and fluoride treatment. Dental radiographs or x-rays are taken only as needed and will be discussed with you first. Additional services, if necessary, will be scheduled for another day.
We want your child’s visit to be a positive experience. You can help prepare your child by discussing what will occur at their visit. Explain that visiting the dentist is a part of growing up and that the dentist will help them keep their teeth strong and healthy. Avoid negative words like “hurt” and “shot”. If you are upbeat, chances are that your child will be upbeat as well.
