The average timeframe for a child’s first tooth to erupt is between 6 and 12 months. By the time they reach the age of 3, all 20 primary teeth should be in place. While it’s not uncommon for many parents to begin bringing their child in to see a dentist at this age, many professionals recommend starting the process even earlier. Read on to discover three reasons why bringing your child in for a dental checkup early on is beneficial to their oral and overall health.
You and Your Child Will Learn Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The earlier you begin bringing your child to see their pediatric dentist, the more likely they will develop (and practice) good oral hygiene habits.
As a parent, this information is essential, as it not only helps your little one get excited about taking proper care of their teeth and gums but also gives you valuable insight into why their primary teeth deserve so much attention.
Your Child’s Dentist Can Begin to Monitor Their Smile Development
Catching and treating problems before they have a chance to start is the fundamental basis of preventive care. These early visits allow your child’s dentist to establish a baseline for oral health and begin to closely monitor the growth and development of their smile.
This makes it easier and possible for the dentist to identify underlying issues that may cause delayed tooth eruption, bite misalignment, cavity formation, or gum disease. By having a clear understanding of your child’s oral and overall health at an early age, their dentist can quickly address potential problems before they get out of hand.
Early Visits Help Establish Healthy Relationships
Children who do not visit a dentist’s office until they are older may feel nervous or fearful, especially if they’ve heard family or friends talk about their experiences. Unfortunately, this can make it harder for you and the dentist to alleviate these concerns.
Bringing your little one in at an early age makes it easier for a healthy and positive relationship to be formed between them and their dentist. Not only do these initial visits allow them to become more aware of their surroundings (i.e., sights, sounds, smells, familiar faces), but they’ll also discover how fun dental appointments can be.
Give your child’s smile the best chance to thrive by starting them on the path to better oral health early on. As they grow older, you’ll witness the positive results and be glad you did.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids in Allen, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo make dental care fun for all ages. As fathers and board-certified pediatric dentists, they work closely with parents to establish positive relationships early on as well as give young patients a chance to become comfortable and familiar with their new environment. If you have a child who is ready to visit the dentist for the first time, check out our website or call (469) 663-0098.