WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST SEE A DENTIST?

Beginning a relationship with a dentist early in your child’s life can help safeguard the child’s oral health.

East County News Service

March 21, 2016 (San Diego/La Mesa) – Did you know that it is recommended that children visit a dentist for the first time by their first birthday? Many parents don’t bring their children to the dentist until the age of two or later, but the American Dental Association recommends all children begin a relationship with a dentist when the first tooth erupts, or by the age of one.

“Parents often tell us they never thought to bring their infant or toddler to our office because he or she didn’t have very many teeth, so they didn’t think about it,” says Dr. Santiago Surillo, a San Diego children’s dentist. “They are often surprised to learn that dental decay can set in before a tooth even erupts. Beginning a relationship with a dentist at a young age can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health.”

Early childhood caries are serious, and are now the number one chronic childhood condition. Dental decay can cause pain, but can also affect the way your child eats and speaks. In order to prevent issues from occurring, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that a child should have his or her first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, but no later than the first birthday.

Healthy teeth are essential to your child’s growth and development. If your child has decay, it can be painful to chew, which can negatively affect your child’s nutrition. Healthy and strong teeth contribute to how a child speaks, save space for permanent teeth and contribute to your child’s overall self-esteem. Taking your child’s oral health seriously at a young age will help your child have a lifetime of good habits.

Another advantage to taking your child to the dentist at a young age is they will probably be too young to be nervous about the trip.

“Older children may experience a bit of apprehension or anxiety about visiting a dentist’s office because they aren’t sure what to expect,” says Dr. Surillo. “But if you start the visits at a young age, it will become a seamless part of their lives, and they won’t even know any different.”

But if your child is older than one and hasn’t had his or her first visit, Dr. Surillo offers a few tips.

1. Read books about going to the dentist and create fun activities centered around dentist visits.
2. Take your child with you to your next check-up. If you child sees that dental health is important to you, and not something you fear, you can set a good example.
3. Set up a get to know you appointment. Take your child to the dentist’s office to meet the staff and check out the office first. If the child is comfortable in the environment, he or she will be less likely to be afraid.
4. Talk to your child about what to expect at his or her check-up. Explain what will happen before, and he or she will likely feel more comfortable.

The most important thing parents can do for their children when it comes to oral health is to set a good example. If your children see you brushing and flossing every day, visiting the dentist regularly, and doing all you can to maintain a healthy smile, it will seamlessly become a part of their lives, too.

Children’s Braces and Dentistry also known as San Diego Kids Dentist, is a combined pedodontics and orthodontics dentistry practice in La Mesa and San Diego, CA. To learn more about Children’s Braces and Dentistry visit our site or give us a call at 619-461-6166.