Establishing health care routines is essential for your child’s well-being. Many parents overlook dental care, often from not knowing when to schedule their child’s first visit to the dentist. Starting late could allow a lot of problems to go unchecked. Below are all the basics to ensure your child enjoys a healthy smile.

A Parents’ Guide to Early Childhood Dental Care

When to Schedule the First Visit

You don’t have to wait for a full set of teeth to come in before visiting the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations, children should see a dentist after their first tooth erupts. This is usually around six months. If your child is a late bloomer, you should see the dentist regardless after their first birthday.

Going forward, expect to schedule dental checkups every six months. Your child’s mouth is in a rapid state of change and development. Seeing the dentist regularly will ensure everything goes according to plan and that issues are caught and treated before they can have a significant impact on your child’s oral health.

What to Expect

The dentist will take a comprehensive survey of your child’s mouth during their first visit. They’ll see that the first tooth has erupted in the proper place and that gum tissue appears healthy. They’ll then look at the tongue, lips, and palate to ensure there aren’t signs of problems.

Common issues with infants include general plaque build-up and decay and baby bottle tooth decay. Children may also develop alignment issues from thumb-sucking and pacifier use—issues that a dentist can resolve. These visits are a great time to learn about healthy habits and how to clean your child’s tooth and gums. They’re also an opportunity to discuss changes in oral health, such as teething, and how you can manage them best.

Ready to schedule your child’s first dental exam? Dentist Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates of Avon, OH, is committed to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Crowell offers a full scope of pediatric dental care, including teeth cleaning and orthodontic care in older children. You can explore her practice further online or call (440) 934-0149 to schedule an exam.