If you are a new parent with young kids, you might be wondering about their dental care. How do you care for their teeth? How do you prevent cavities? The best resource for your child's dental health and care is their dentist. But how often should your child visit the dentist?
How Often Should Children See the Dentist?
As a general rule, your child should have their first dental visit before their first birthday. They should see a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, but no later than their first birthday.
From there, the AAPD recommends that children receive a professional dental check-up every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your child's pediatric dentist may advise on when and how often a child should visit based on their oral health. If your child has cavities or other dental concerns, they may recommend coming in for more frequent checkups and cleanings. It's best to follow the advice of your child's dental provider, who is familiar with your child's needs and dental health.
What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Offer?
In addition to routine cleanings and dental exams, pediatric dentists also provide comprehensive oral health care, including the following:
- Habit counseling, such as pacifier use and thumb sucking
- Early teeth straightening and bite correction (orthodontics)
- Repair and treatment of tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions associated with diseases such as congenital heart defect, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Treatment of gum diseases and conditions, such as ulcers, short frenulum, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
- Care for dental injuries and emergencies (for example, fractured, displaced or knocked-out teeth)
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Dentistry
My Child Plays Sports. How Can I Protect Their Teeth?
When purchasing sports equipment for your child, don't forget to buy a mouthguard. Also known as athletic mouth protectors, mouth guards are made from soft plastic and will comfortably fit the shape of the upper teeth. These devices protect a child's teeth, lips, gums, and cheeks from various sports-related injuries. Although any mouthguard is better than going without, a custom-fitted mouthguard will provide the best protection against injuries.
When Do the First Teeth Begin to Erupt?
Usually, at around the age of six months, a child's two lower front teeth (central incisors) will erupt, followed soon after by the two upper central incisors. The rest of the baby teeth typically appear during the next 18 to 24 months. However, they won't necessarily erupt in an orderly sequence from front to back. At two to three years, all of these 20 primary teeth should have erupted and be present in their mouth.
Children's Dentistry at Belmont Family Dentistry
At Belmont Family Dentistry, we provide our youngest patients with a friendly, welcoming, and comfortable environment each time they visit. We want to work with you and your child to build a lifetime of healthy dental habits, including regular dental cleanings and exams.
Contact us today at 617-484-1760 to learn more or schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.