As a parent to a young child, life is full of uncertainties. It can be difficult to know what you can expect as your child is working toward so many milestones at once. One big question is: when should you start taking your child to the dentist? Continue reading to learn when the right time is, how to prepare, and what you can anticipate in the next few years.
When Should You Take Your Child to The Dentist?
It is recommended that you begin to take your child to a dentist either by the time their first tooth erupts or when they turn one – whichever one occurs first. There are many reasons for this. First of all, it’s ideal to introduce them to the dentist when they are young. This will help them feel more comfortable and less anxious as they grow and need to return for future visits. They can get to know all of the staff and become familiar with the process so it’s less scary in the future.
Your child’s dentist also wants to be able to keep an eye on their developing smile. If your child’s dentist notices any signs of early decay or other oral health issues, they can be addressed and prevented before progressing into more serious issues in the future.
How Can You Prepare for Your Child’s Upcoming Dental Visit?
Going to the dentist for the first time can seem scary for a child at first. As much as their dentist tries to make the practice as comfortable as possible, being in an unfamiliar place can be scary for smaller children. However, there are some ways that you can help them to become prepared. Here are some suggestions:
- For toddlers, you could try to “play dentist” at home. This can help them to better know what to expect.
- Talk to your child about their oral health. If they already know some fun facts about teeth, they may be more interested in their visit.
- Take them with you to your dental visit. By viewing you in the dental chair, they are more likely to realize that going to the dentist isn’t that scary after all!
If your child is approaching their first birthday, or they already have a couple teeth coming in, it’s the perfect time to get them set up for routine dental visits. By taking this step now, you can set their smile up for success!
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo work together to serve patients in the Allen community. With their combined experience and expertise, your child can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To get your child started with regular dental visits, visit our website or call (469) 663-0098.