It is a common question for many parents–when should a child go to the dentist as an infant or even later? Dental care is important to overall health. Within a few months of being born, a child will cut their tooth. Once that happens, it is time to think about dental care. At Lovett Dental Baytown, we can help you ensure you always provide your child with the right level of care.
It’s important that children become used to the dentist, so they not only develop positive oral health habits but also, so they aren’t afraid of dental check-ups in the future. It’s a good idea to have your Lovett Dental Baytown dentist examine a child as early as possible, so the child becomes familiar with the process and is open to it going forward. Seeing the dentist shouldn’t be something a child or an adult puts off because of fear or anxiety.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
Dental care is more than just about taking care of teeth. It is also about caring for a child’s gums and the development of strong oral habits. That first visit depends on your child’s needs. A child should visit the dentist within six months of his or her first tooth coming through. At the very least, bring your child into our general dentistry at about the one-year mark. If your child is older than this and has not been to the dentist, that’s okay. We can help you get their oral health caught up. Even though a child’s first set of teeth isn’t permanent, if they aren’t cared for properly, issues can arise as their adult teeth come in.
What About Dental Care After This Point?
It is always best to follow the recommendations your dentist provides after that first appointment to determine how often your child should come in for a dental appointment.
When should a child go to the dentist after that visit? Most of the time, your child will come in annually, and then every six months as their teeth come in. These first teeth are important to care for because they will help to shape and form a child’s oral health for years to come. If we don’t care for them now, their permanent teeth may not develop properly. That is why we want to see your child as frequently as necessary to keep up with this.
What Can an Appointment Do for Your Child?
When you bring your child in for an appointment, we will provide a wide range of services to your child. This includes:
- Providing general oral cleaning as appropriate.
- Discussing fluoride dental treatments to reduce cavity risk.
- Discuss the benefits of dental sealants for kids.
- Teach your child how to brush and floss properly.
- Create good habits with routine general dentistry appointments.
If your child needs additional care over time, we can meet those goals. That includes orthodontic services and braces. Many times, when you bring your child in for an appointment early on like this, they are forming good habits that will last them a lifetime. That means you can count on a beautiful smile being maintained longer. When should a child go to the dentist, then? As often as possible to meet their oral health needs.
Don’t Wait to Get Help from Lovett Dental Baytown
When should a child go to the dentist for the first time or routine visits? It all depends on your child’s needs. At Lovett Dental Baytown, we are here to support you as you ensure your child’s oral health is always the best it can be. Call us at 281-838-8400 to learn more about our services and to book an appointment.
