Are you expecting your first child? Or maybe you are already a new parent? (Congrats!) With becoming a new parent comes about a billion questions, we know! What products are best for your child’s health? How should you care for this new tiny human being? Not to mention, trying to balance work and family with the new addition. To say you have a lot on your plate is an understatement! One of the questions that will eventually arise is when you should start taking your kids to the dentist. Well, I am here to help put your mind at ease.
Children’s teeth typically start to erupt out of the gums between 4-7 months old (some are even born with them!) and then they continue to grow their full mouth of baby teeth until they are about 2-3 years old. I don’t know about you, but when I hear “4-7 months old” I think that is too young to even think about bringing them to the dentist. But, I was wrong. New born babies visit the doctor’s office for their checkups just weeks after they are born. So, why not start taking care of their teeth from the very beginning too? Here is a fact that shocked me, 1 in 4 children in the US has had at least one cavity by their fourth birthday. There are many reasons for this, including sipping on fruit juice all day, to parents not supervising their children brushing their teeth, twice a day, for a whole two minutes. For many reasons, brushing our own teeth seems like second nature to us adults. With that being said, it turns into a whole different ball game when you have to be responsible to clean your “can’t sit still for more than 3 seconds” child’s teeth. If you are struggling with cleaning your wiggly child’s teeth, you are not alone!
One of the benefits of bringing your children in for their appointment is that Dr. Topher and Dr. Chaffin can answer all your questions about your child’s oral hygiene. Also, they can share with you helpful techniques and tricks for making sure you are thoroughly cleaning your children’s teeth. The very first dental visit we call a “Happy Visit”. We like to make it a happy place where your child can feel safe and a happy experience for parents and kids alike. The main goal of the first few visits is to get your child used to being in the chair and having the dentist’s hands in their mouth. We want to make this a comfortable and safe place for your child. Feeling comfortable and safe in this new environment encourages less traumatic experiences later on. One of the biggest reasons for adults avoiding the dentist is fear related to a traumatic experience. If we can avoid those traumatic experiences, then your child is set up for a higher chance of a happy mouth for their adult life, which can then be passed on to their kids, your grandkids! It is very important to bring your child to the dentist as soon as their teeth start erupting. As soon as there are teeth present, there are risks for cavities, and it is time to establish a happy dental home.
Do you have children who have teeth but have not been seen by a dentist yet? Call us today! We would love to help you schedule their first visit! We have a safe, welcoming environment that will put your mind at ease and it will be a fun experience for your little one too!
Published By: Sarah Steele