Dental health has far-reaching implications for children. In fact, children miss more school and earn lower grades when facing dental problems.
Poor oral health can cause problems with speech development and eventually learning. It’s essential for children to receive regular dental care from a professional and practice good oral hygiene.
To learn more about what age children should go to the dentist, check out the information below.
What Age Should Children Go to the Dentist?
Children should first visit the dentist by the time they are one year old. The exact age may vary as it depends on when their first tooth emerges. Before this time, parents should wipe their baby’s gums with a soft clean cloth after their first feeding in the morning and at night before bed.
After their first visit, they can take a long break and prepare for their second dental visit by the age of four. Make sure to brush the emerging teeth twice a day with a soft brush and water. You can learn more on kidsstopdentistry.com.
Why So Early?
Visiting a dentist at such an early age may come as a shock to some parents. However, dentists are trained to spot concerns early on. It’s a preventative measure.
The dentist will check how the child’s gums and jawline are developing. They will also assess the health of the child’s first teeth. Then, they can provide valuable information on important things like teething, diet and oral health, and managing oral habits like thumb sucking.
Why Wait 3 Years?
Surprisingly, as long as parents continue supporting good oral hygiene for their children, there is no need to visit the dentist until age four. At this age, a pediatric dentist will evaluate the child’s oral habits and recommend behavior corrections for things like thumb sucking before they become ingrained.
Signs That They Need a Dentist
Some children need more dental visits than others. This may happen despite good oral hygiene practices. It can depend on things like genetics.
Some signs that a child needs to see a dentist include things like tooth discoloration, toothache, chronic lip sucking, red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Preparing for the Dentist
One of the biggest reasons parents delay their child’s first visit to the dentist is because they are worried about their child’s reaction. There are a few steps parents can take to prepare for the first dental visit.
First, bring your child to your own dentist appointments. Inform your local dentist that you are trying to expose your child to the dental environment before their own visit.
Next, conduct your own mini-lesson about the dentist. Share videos, color pictures, read books about the profession, and have a Q&A session with your child. Let them know that it’s okay to be scared and even to cry, then share how you will reward them for their bravery and good behavior.
Finally, try roleplaying a day at the dentist. You may even do this when they accompany you to your dental visit, provided you inform the office beforehand.
Setting a Dental Schedule
At what age should children go to the dentist? It’s a lot earlier than most parents imagine. However, remember that these early visits are a preventative measure, and avoiding them could mean more painful and costly problems down the road.
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