Children’s dentistry is a growing field, and many dentists are recommending that parents take their children for a checkup as early as one year old. While this may seem like a very young age to have a child visit the dentist, national studies have shown one in every four children will have at least one cavity by age four; of that number, many see their first cavity by age two. Dr. Tris J. Carta is a general dentist in Manchester, CT, and he explains what to expect from your child’s first dental visit.

Early childhood visits to a dentist teach both parents and kids the best practices for long-term dental health. During the first visit, the dentist or hygienist will examine your child’s mouth, checking developing teeth and gums. The dentist will observe how the teething is coming along and check to see if there are any abnormalities in the bite or alignment.

They will also discuss your child’s diet, family history, and any other habits such as thumb sucking. This information will help to assess your child’s risk of developing cavities and other oral health issues. Additionally, the dentist will give instructions for tooth and gum cleaning, including brushing with fluoride and toothpaste, and provide you with information on preventing dental trauma. They may also brush your child’s mouth with fluoride to help prevent against cavities.

Children’s dentistry should be an informative, positive experience. Your little one’s comfort should be a priority throughout, and they should feel safe during the examination and teeth cleaning. Bring along favorite toys or a blanket, and sit your child on your lap to give them a sense of security. If children come to view dental visits as happy, comforting events, it will establish good habits later in life.

If you are in the Manchester, CT, area and would like to schedule a visit with an experienced children’s dentist, call Dr. Tris J. Carta’s office at (860) 646-2251. Visit his website to learn more about his practice.