Your child's dental health is a team effort between you and the family dentist. Both daily teeth cleaning and visits to the dentist's office are necessary to protect your child's teeth, help them grow correctly, teach your child positive hygiene habits, and prepare for their adult teeth later in life. Here's what you should know as a parent to keep your child's mouth healthy.

Your Child's First Trip to the Dentist

Your child should first visit the dentist when their teeth begin to come in or at one year of age, whichever happens sooner. Your doctor will examine your child's mouth to ensure they're developing normally. They'll check for any signs of tooth decay or other health problems like infections, and talk to you about your child's oral care.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Visit

First, make a habit of cleaning your child's mouth twice daily, even before their teeth come in. This process will help them get used to the feeling of someone cleaning and looking inside their mouth. Also, for young children, dentists will often have you sit knee-to-knee with them, hold your child on your lap facing you, then lean them backward until their head rests on your dentist's knees. You can practice this position with your child ahead of time.

Other Ways to Protect Your Child's Dental Health

In addition to cleaning your child's mouth and gums daily, make sure you're feeding your child a healthy, balanced diet without too many sweets. Don't let them go to sleep with a bottle, as this means they'll have milk or juice in their mouth all night, encouraging bacterial growth. Finally, make sure you continue to schedule regular dental appointments after the initial one to get your child used to the dentist's office and ensure they're getting the care they need.

If it's time for your child's first visit to the dentist, contact Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. They are a family practice serving patients of all ages. Founded in 1964, Dr. James Driscoll, who has practiced for almost 15 years, now leads the practice. To schedule an appointment in Anchorage, call (907) 278-2521 or send a message online.