Parents of newborn children are often not only excited to have a new bundle of joy in their lives, but they’re also cautious to make sure they provide their child with the best possible healthcare. A common question that parents of young children ask is, “When should we schedule our child’s first dental visit?” While there are various factors that can influence when your child should first visit a dentist, a good rule of thumb is to schedule the first checkup before the child’s first birthday.
While the idea of taking a child to the dentist so soon may surprise some parents, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strongly encourages a dental checkup before a child’s first birthday so that parents can find out if they should be aware of any oral health conditions and to curb the onset of early tooth decay. Recent studies have shown an increase in cavities among preschool-aged children, as more than 1 in 4 American children have at least one cavity by the age of 4.
A child’s first dental checkup has as much to do with teaching parents how to encourage proper oral health habits as it does inspecting the child’s mouth, gums, and teeth. During the first visit, parents will also learn how to care for their infant’s mouth, teething milestones to watch out for, ways to prevent teeth-damaging accidents, and the connection between diet and oral health.
Since oral health plays such an important part in a person’s overall health, scheduling a child’s first dental checkup before his or her first birthday is extremely important. Establishing proper oral health habits early in life can go a long way toward building a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first dental checkup, look no further than the friendly and experienced staff at Southfield Family Dental Center. With years of expertise in every area of family dentistry, their skilled dentists and hygienists will ensure that your child has everything he or she needs to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. Book your child’s appointment today!
