Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in your child's health while they last. They help your child eat healthy foods, make it easier to learn to speak correctly, and hold a place in your child's mouth for their adult teeth to come in. For this reason, it's important that your child starts seeing a pediatric dentist early to take care of their teeth. Here's what you should know about making these appointments for your child.

Your Child's First Trip to the Dentist

As soon as your child's teeth emerge from their gums, the dental enamel is vulnerable to all the same challenges affecting adult teeth, including wear, injury, and tooth decay. For this reason, children's dental care needs to start as soon as they get their first tooth, which is usually around six months of age. If your child's teeth haven't started emerging before they're one year old, make an appointment anyway; the dentist can help you tackle oral hygiene needs, and your kid will become more comfortable in the office with exposure at a young age.

What to Expect at the Dentist's Office

When you take your child in for their first dental visit, you should choose a pediatric dentist who has experience working with babies and toddlers. They'll use special techniques to help keep your child calm, such as having them lie on your lap during their exam instead of in a chair. They'll carefully examine your child's teeth and provide tips on keeping them clean and healthy, and they may recommend fluoride to help with enamel development.

If you need to schedule a visit with a children's dentist, choose Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD in Florence, KY. With two convenient locations in Boone County and a fun, welcoming atmosphere, they make dental care easy for you and your child, and they accept most major insurance carriers to make their services more accessible. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 525-2100, and browse images of their offices online.