Healthcare experts express differing opinions on the appropriate time to begin dental care for children. As such, many new parents often wonder, when should a child go to the dentist for the first time?
It is worth noting that a child’s early visit to a dental clinic is a crucial aspect of the health care mechanism. When parents and guardians take children to the dentist at an early age, they enhance the discovery of signs of dental issues and facilitate prompt treatment.
When Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
A common myth is that children only need dental visits once they attain four years. Such delays can give room for tooth decay and other dental conditions to develop.
Delaying dental care in children can increase the risks of dental problems developing as they age. The survey, which involved thousands of parents with children aged five years and younger, established that about half of the parents lacked professional knowledge about pediatric dental visits.
Many dentists concur that children should first visit a dental clinic on attaining one year or half a year after the appearance of the first teeth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) makes a similar observation.
Statistics also reveal that about half of parents in the US receive guidelines from their healthcare providers regarding the appropriate time to see a pediatrician.
Since dental disease is among the leading chronic childhood conditions, improving children’s dental health is vital.
The symptoms of dental health problems vary from mild to severe. The common signs to look out for in children include:
- Long teeth: This occurs when gums recede and expose a more significant part of the tooth, giving an elongated tooth impression.
- Exposed teeth: Such teeth are usually more sensitive, painful, and uncomfortable.
- Loose tooth: The loosening of teeth often occurs due to the weakening of the gums.
- Gum-line pain: Receding gums cause pain at the gum line.
- Red and swollen gums: Gums display these symptoms due to injuries.
Managing Your Child’s Dental Health Care
A pediatrician should handle your child’s dental care needs. They apply a fluoride varnish when a child attains nine months to safeguard the child’s teeth. Pediatricians also give invaluable information and refer you to a friendly dental clinic.
Seeking early dental care puts your mind at ease, especially when you are continually wondering – when should a child go to the dentist? Dental risks, like tooth decay and discoloration, begin from early childhood. Therefore, a dentist must monitor your child’s teeth as they develop to prevent any dental health conditions.
Home dental care is essential. As a parent or guardian, you have the primary responsibility of safeguarding your child’s dental health. Develop a habit of brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they emerge. If your child is under six months, use fluoride toothpaste as it contains fewer chemicals. Enroll your child in a dental plan as soon as the teeth emerge. Relying on the family’s dental insurance can delay your child’s dental health care.
Create a routine of regularly taking your child to the dentist to learn more about caring for their dental health at home. At the dental clinic, you will get various treatment options, such as:
- General Dentistry
- Emergency dental services
- Specialty dental services
- Dental implants and braces
- Teeth cleaning
Contact Lovett Dental Pearland to Learn More Today
As an adult, it is essential to have a satisfactory answer to when a child should go to the dentist? This information is vital to the long-term dental health of your loved one. Contact Lovett Dental Pearland at 281-416-5844 to schedule a dental appointment for your child.
