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New parents often wonder when to take their child to the dentist for the first time. Some babies grow teeth in months, while others won’t have most of their teeth until they’re close to three years old. No matter how quickly they come in, it’s important to plan for their dental care from an early age. 

Teeth Development Timeline for Babies

Most babies grow their first teeth between 6-12 months old. Generally, the two lower front teeth are the first to appear. From there, the surrounding teeth will begin to come in. The molars will be the last to appear, at around two years old. Before their first teeth emerge, babies are generally taking milk or formula.

Once their teeth come in, it’s common for parents to slowly introduce solids into the baby’s diet. This is why it’s recommended to take your baby to the dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges. When your baby starts eating solid foods, they are susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities. 

Teeth Care for Babies 

It’s important to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with an infant-friendly toothpaste as soon as the first tooth grows in. Use a brush with soft bristles to avoid irritation. Additionally, try not to put your baby to bed with a bottle since the sugars in milk and formula can cause tooth decay. 

Chances are that you’ll be helping your child brush their teeth until they are close to five years old. You should assist them so that they don’t develop poor brushing habits or forget to spit out their toothpaste as they get older. 

How Often to See the Dentist 

After the initial appointment following your baby’s first tooth, you should make appointments at six-month intervals. At first, these appointments will be basic visits where the dentist examines your baby’s teeth and answers any questions.

During subsequent visits, the dentist will start to clean your baby’s teeth and apply fluoride. Generally, your child will have full dental visits starting at age three, and x-rays may start around age five. 

 

It’s important to regularly visit the dentist as soon as your child has teeth. Jeffrey E. Bang, DMD, PC is a trustworthy, family-friendly dentist who serves patients throughout the Staunton, VA, area. He and his experienced staff offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment with Jeffrey E. Bang DMD today at (540) 885-8667. 

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