When should your child receive dental check-ups?
It can get kind of confusing to determine when to make your child a dental appointment. Some people hear of dentists not accepting children as patients until a certain age. Although there are different rules for different offices, the American Dental Association recommends a child be seen after his or her first birthday. Even when children have very few teeth, they are still at risk for cavities.
Most first appoints are fun, too! Lots of riding in the chair, some smiling, counting the teeth, and nothing sharp! After an examination, a child is then ready to get his or her teeth cleaned, which is another positive experience.
Oral hygiene habits like tooth brushing and flossing are taught to both the child and parent. Other things that affect oral health are also discussed such as diet, habits, and bacteria prevention. And let’s not leave out “Mr. Thirsty!” (The suction saliva evacuator). Kids get their teeth tickled by “The Tooth Tickler” with some tasty paste. These experiences help children become used to the sights, sounds, and feelings of dentistry. And ultimately, the dentist becomes a fun place to spend some time!
By seeing children at an early age, we hope to educate and provide services to prevent any cavity experiences. For children who have cavities, we hope to stop and fix them and also prevent any more cavities from forming.