Most of us know that oral health is as important for infants as it is for adults. But some parents don’t realize that toddlers can get cavities or other dental issues. Once your baby’s primary teeth erupt, these teeth are susceptible to decay. This is why it’s crucial to book a dental checkup for your little one as soon as that first tooth sets in.
But at what age should you start taking your child to the dentist? Read on to learn what age is ideal for your child to visit a pediatric dentist.
Children need to go to the dentist as soon as they have milk teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you need to take your baby to a pediatric dentist once the child’s first tooth appears or on their first birthday. There are good reasons to take your child to the dentist while they are babies.
First of all, earlier dental checkups can help prevent cavities. You might be shocked that a whopping 21 percent of American children between 2 and 5 years have cavities. But the good news is that children who go to the dentist when they celebrate their first birthday are less likely to experience tooth decay than those who do it at older ages.
Secondly, taking your child to the dentist earlier is important as it helps them to get used to the dentist’s office and become familiar with the environment. The pediatric dentist will recommend the best preventive dentistry options to prevent decay and detect any oral issues at an early stage.
Most importantly, toddlers can get a free checkup on their first visit. At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, every infant under 2 years gets their first appointment free.
When you visit our Truckee Pediatric dental office, Dr. Matthew Gustafsson and our friendly team will welcome you to our kid-friendly reception area. Your Truckee pediatric dentist will introduce themselves and proceed to conduct an extensive exam on your child’s teeth, gums, and jaws.
The dentist will also assess the teeth’s growth and development. Depending on your child’s age, the dentist will perform some dental cleaning. During all this time, your child is kept as comfortable as possible.
Knowing when to take your child to a dentist is important as it helps avoid and identify potential oral problems earlier. At Truckee Pediatric Dentistry, we can help maintain your infant’s oral health by providing a fun and comfortable dental experience.
Contact us online to book an appointment, or call us at (530) 550-9311 if you’re interested in learning more about our pediatric dentistry.
