Many parents wonder when their child should see a dentist. Unlike seeing a physician—where there are set checkups and vaccinations required—there has never been a designated time for a child to see a dentist. That being said, a dentist in Northridge, CA will usually recommend that the earlier a child comes for a visit the better. This can prevent dental problems.
According to the American Dental Association, every child should have at least one dentist visit prior to the age of one. They recommend seeing one as soon as the first tooth appears. It isn’t just beneficial for the child, but also for the parents as they will be given tips and advice as to how to handle their child’s oral hygiene through the younger ages.
Early visits to the dentist before the age of one will help parents understand the development of their child’s teeth, while answering any questions and concerns that aren’t found on Google. Dentists will discuss not only development, but warning signs to look out for in the event that the child gets injured or has any misalignment of the teeth early on in childhood.
The most important discussion at the early dentist visit is in regards to cavities. Children are more susceptible to getting cavities at very young age, many as early as two years old! The first childhood dental visit will let parents know how to prevent cavities through a managed diet and proper dental care at home.
The visit will not only inform parents, but also children about good oral hygiene. They will learn about the problems that can arise if they don’t take care of their teeth. Many children will fear the thought of teeth being drilled, which will give them motivation to listen and take measures to keep their teeth and mouth healthy.
Many parents believe that the first visit to the dentist for their child should be for a checkup and cleaning. However, that is not the case. Instead, the visit is more for parents to be informed about what to expect for their child’s oral health care and getting the child used to a dentist’s office.
Although there is never a designated time to start taking your child to the dentist, many dental specialists and associations recommend taking them in as early as possible—most likely when the first tooth appears. Set up an appointment with a dentist in Northridge, California to understand your child’s dental care and what to expect in the following years. It will prevent the likelihood of serious oral hygiene problems in the future.
