When Should Children Start Going to the Dentist?

If you have a baby or young child, you might be wondering when they should go to the dentist. You want to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. Taking your children to the dentist is important as it can help to prevent dental issues. If your child has any dental issues, the dentist can catch them early.

When Can Children Go to the Dentist?

Children should begin going to the dentist after their first tooth comes through. There is no need for a child to visit the dentist before this point. When your child is 1 to 2 years old, you should make an appointment for a cleaning and exam.

Keep in mind that the first visit may not include cleaning. Your child might simply visit the dentist’s office to become more familiar with the environment. Your child might get to sit in the chair, get a new toothbrush, and meet the dentist.

Benefits of Taking Young Children to the Dentist

As mentioned, dental exams and cleanings are preventive. This means that the dentist can care for your child’s teeth and look for any issues before they become serious. There are other benefits of taking your young child to the dentist. These include:

1. Your child will become familiar with the dentist and the dentist’s office. Sometimes, children can be afraid of going to the dentist. This is because it’s a new environment and there are plenty of unknowns. For this reason, it’s important to take your child to the dentist as early as possible so they can become more familiar with it.
2. You will learn more about pediatric dental care. Often, parents are unsure about how they should be caring for their children’s teeth. When you take your child to the dentist, you can receive tips and tricks to maintain your child’s healthy teeth. The dentist can also help you resolve any issues your child might have, including thumb sucking.

If your child is 1 to 2 years old or older and needs to visit the dentist, make an appointment with Livingston Dental Group today. Preventive care will help to keep your child’s teeth healthy long-term.