Your child’s first tooth is beginning to erupt, and you’re wondering when the right time is to visit the dentist. It is one of the more popular questions that parents ask, and with good reason. Having the right dental care for your child is very important. Like anything, there always needs to be a strong base, and for adult teeth to grow healthy, nurturing your child’s oral health is essential.
So, when should kids go to the dentist? The answer to your question is right here.
Who’s A Paediatric Dentist?
A paediatric dentist is dedicated to children’s oral health from toddlers to adolescents. They specialise in performing preventative treatments to keep your child’s mouth development healthy, so teeth can erupt from underneath healthy gums.
Seeing A Paediatric Dentist
If your child’s first tooth has erupted, then it’s time to schedule an appointment. Typically, your child’s first tooth should erupt from underneath the gum line. This is expected to happen at six months of age. Scheduling your child’s first visit should be within their first year from when they were born.
Visiting the paediatric dentist allows you as a parent to have visibility of the child’s oral health. When visiting them, the following areas are addressed:
- Identifying your child’s habits such as thumb sucking
- Any teething problems
- Assessment and cleaning of your gums
- Determining the health of your child’s first tooth
- Overall assessment of your child’s mouth development
- Future tips for caring for your child’s oral health
What Should I Do To Prepare My Child For The Dentist?
Your child’s first visit naturally needs to come with some preparation because your child will not be used to visiting the dentist and with many children, being accustomed to something new can be difficult.
When scheduling your appointment for your child, it is a good idea to ask about some of the following things:
How Will You Make My Child’s Experience Comfortable?
Dental anxiety is common amongst many people, and children need to be made comfortable in any environment. Otherwise, this can make the appointment very distressing for your child and you as a parent. Therefore, it’s good to find out how the dentist will make the environment a happy and comfortable one.
What Costs Are Associated With The Appointment?
How much does a child check-up appointment cost? There are many factors to this, whether you’re visiting a private or public clinic, your child’s age, and whether any extensive treatment is required.
How Do I Prepare My Child For Their Visit?
Besides the dentist making your child’s experience comfortable, what is equally important is for a parent to perform the required steps to prepare your child. As a toddler, it’s never easy to prepare them, but you can prepare them by getting them accustomed to playing the dentist at home.
If your child’s first visit to the dentist is due, or you would like to know when kids should visit the dentist, consult your dentist today!
