As per the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should take your child to a paediatric dentist at the earliest of the two dates – (A) Your child’s first birthday and (B) The date on which your child’s first tooth comes out. That means your child should have their first dental appointment when they are still a baby.
Children who see the dentist by their first birthday have lesser chances of catching tooth decay than children who wait till they get older. Research indicates that, for each year past a child’s first birthday, parents keep delaying the first dental appointment, so the child’s likelihood of catching tooth decay doubles.
Why Does Your Baby’s First Dental Checkup Matter?
A baby’s first dental visit helps the parents learn how to care for their child’s teeth correctly and avert the possibilities of future cavities. And if your child’s teeth start showing signs of premature decay, your child’s dentist will work with you to reverse that sooner before it matures into a cavity. So taking your child to the family dentistry early on can give you better chances of reversing any tooth decay before it can cause permanent damage to your child’s tooth.
If a cavity develops, it needs to be treated at an early stage. When tooth decay in young children is left untreated, it can quickly damage entire teeth and lead to severe infections. Thus, it is imperative to take your child to a dentist regularly, starting from your child’s first birthday, so that any cavities are treated promptly, ensuring your baby is healthy and comfortable.
What To Expect From Your Baby’s First Dental Checkup?
Along with signs of tooth decay, your dentist will also look for any conditions that may need special attention. For example, if your child has dental enamel defects, you might require to take added precautions to avert tooth decay. For most parents, their baby’s first dental visit will be a learning opportunity. For instance, your child’s paediatric dentist will instruct you on appropriately caring for your baby’s teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to prevent cavities. Your child’s paediatric dentist will walk you through the process of cleaning your baby’s teeth so you can shield your child’s oral health in the best possible way.
Furthermore, the dentist will ask about your eating habits and give you dietary counselling. Discussing your child’s eating habits with a paediatric dentist is a fantastic way to get personalised recommendations and tips on motivating your child to eat in a tooth-friendly manner. Lastly, your baby’s first dental appointment provides you with a fantastic opportunity to get answers to all your oral health-related queries.
At Kings Family Dental Centre, we have qualified and experienced dentists to provide dental care and treatment for the entire family, including young children, adults and the elderly. We also provide emergency dental services. Call us on 02 9674 3491 to schedule a dental appointment today.
Also Read: How to Look After Your Teeth in Between Your Dental Cleaning?
