Although it may surprise you, The American
Dental Association advises parents to schedule the first dental appointment for
their son or daughter at 12 months. However, there are some very good reasons
why your one-year-old toddler needs to see the dentist.
Around the age of one, your children’s teeth
will begin to erupt. Once those teeth have made their appearance, it is time to
have them checked out by your dentist.
One of the first things that your child’s
dentist will do is check out and clean the young teeth before applying
fluoride. Fluoride is the best defense when it comes to keeping your child’s
teeth healthy.
When you take your child to the dentist at a
very young age it will help he or she get used to the office. Having a family
dentist who sees your kids twice a year will help them overcome any fear of the
dentist that they may have.
During your child’s first visit to the dentist’s
office, you may want to ask a team member from the dental office for a tour.
Once a child is comfortable in their surroundings, they are less likely to
suffer from dental anxiety.
Visiting the dentist also helps you enlist a
welcome hand from other adults when it comes to good oral health habits.
Starting dental checkups early in life may also mean that your child will be
less likely to need cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental implants or less
likely to wear braces.
During your checkup, your dentist may also
give your child instructions on how to brush and floss. It’s important that you
make brushing and flossing fun so that it becomes a habit that your kids will
actually enjoy.
If you would like more information regarding
your child’s first checkup with the dentist, call or click and make an
appointment today.
