If you are a first-time parent, you may have many questions about your little one’s health. After all, they are reaching a new milestone every day and the first dental visit is a milestone to include in the baby book.
A baby’s first dental visit should happen sooner than most parents think. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling the first pediatric dental appointment as soon as the first tooth appears. It is never too early to take your little one to the pediatric dentist. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible if your child is over one year old.
During the first appointment, you will receive information on the following:
Proper infant feeding practices
Teething
Mouth cleaning
Baby bottle tooth decay
Bad dental habits
Pacifier habits
Be sure to bring up any concern or problem you suspect during the visit. Falling asleep with a bottle or having a family history of cavities may increase the risk of early tooth decay. You should also mention issues like:
Lesions or ulcers in the mouth
White spots on the teeth
Teeth grinding
Bluish bruises where teeth are about to erupt
Tongue issues
Even if baby teeth are temporary, keeping them clean and healthy remains important. The back teeth will stay in your little one’s mouth until they are about 10 to 12 years old.
Get your baby ready for the appointment early. Be positive and have your little one practice opening the mouth to prepare them for when the pediatric dentist counts and checks their teeth.
The dentist will ask you to sit on a dental chair with your little one on your lap. The pediatric dentist will first examine your baby to ensure their teeth and jaw are developing correctly.
The dentist will then check for cavities, oral injuries, and other issues before cleaning your child’s teeth. You will then receive tips for daily oral care. Do not worry if your baby wiggles or cries a little during the exam. That is expected behavior since it is a new experience for them.
Whether your child has only a few teeth poking through or a mouth full of teeth, it is never too soon to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. It would be best if you did everything possible to make those adorable pearly whites stay healthy and bright.
For more on pediatric dental care, visit Fort Worth Children's Dentistry at our Fort Worth, Texas office. Call 817-646-2200 to schedule an appointment today.