How early should your child start seeing a dentist?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, you should take your child for their first dentist appointment within 6 months of their first tooth, or when they turn 1. 

Because oral health is such an integral part of our overall health, the earlier you start taking your child to the dentist, the better.

Staying on top of your child’s oral hygiene is just important as looking out for their overall health. 

Your Child’s Very First Visit

The reason why you should take your child to the dentist so early is to help prevent oral issues before they arise. 

If the dentist finds an issue, you’ll know you need to make some changes to your child’s oral hygiene routine. Also, the dentist will be able to fix those issues before they get worse. 

Preparing Your Child For The Dentist

It’s a good idea to prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist. 

Try incorporating a ‘trip to the dentist’ into their play. You can have them sit in a ‘dentist chair’, count their teeth, and discuss why brushing and flossing are so important. 

You can also try reading books and watching videos about a trip to the dentist.

Choosing the Right Dentist For Your Child

Did you know that there are dentists that specialize in working with children?

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to handle teeth, gum, and other oral issues in children and teens. A pediatric dentist only takes on children as patients. They don’t treat adults. 

This means that general dentists offer services for both adults and children. The difference is, a dentist does not have specialized pediatric training. 

Start Oral Care Early

The earlier you start your child’s oral care, the better. 

That’s why most dentists recommend that you bring your child in at least 6 months after their first tooth grows in, or when they turn 1 year old. 

Introducing your child to a dentist as early as possible will help to teach your child the importance of oral hygiene and health. 

It will also help them understand that a dentist can prevent and fix problems before they get worse. 

To learn more about how a dentist can help your child, reach out to Chroma Dental for a free consultation.