3 Ways to Protect Your Child's Teeth
Prevention and early intervention are the best tools available to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and other oral health problems. Here are three tips to help protect your child’s teeth and gums.
When Should I Bring My Baby to the Dentist?
Despite the fact that your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by their permanent teeth, early dental care is still necessary. Baby teeth are susceptible to the same problems of adult teeth, and ignoring oral health at an early age can set them up for dental problems in the future.
At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team offer pediatric dentistry services, including for a baby's first dental appointment.
When should I bring my baby to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children go to their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth erupts or by age 1.
While that might seem a little soon, this visit is important for several reasons:
- It allows the dentist to check for any potential dental problems, such as cavities, and address them before they progress and become more serious.
- It gives the dentist an opportunity to answer questions, and educate parents on how to care for their child's teeth and gums, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- It helps to establish a positive relationship between the child and the dentist, which can make future dental visits less stressful.
Think of your baby’s first dental appointment as a stepping stone on the road to healthy teeth and gums as they get older.
What to expect at your baby’s first visit to the dentist
At the first appointment, our team will perform a comprehensive exam of your child's teeth and gums, along with a gentle cleaning as needed.
They will also discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your child's oral health. Furthermore, they will let you know how often your child should have checkups.
Keep in mind that even if your child doesn't have teeth yet, it's still a good idea to schedule their first dental visit by their first birthday to establish a dental home and learn more about how to properly care for their oral health.
Signs your child needs to see a dentist
It can be difficult to know when a baby needs to go to the dentist, especially if they haven't developed many teeth yet. However, there are some situations where you may need to schedule an appointment:
Tooth pain or sensitivity
If your baby seems to be in pain while chewing or shows signs of sensitivity to hot or cold, it could be a sign of a dental problem.
Discolored teeth
If your baby's teeth appear discolored or stained, it may be a sign of tooth decay or another dental issue.
Swollen or bleeding gums
If your baby's gums appear swollen, red, or bleed when touched, it may be a sign of gum disease or another dental issue.
Bad breath
If your baby has persistent bad breath, it may be a sign of a dental problem.
Delayed tooth eruption
If your baby hasn’t developed any teeth by their first birthday, there could be an underlying issue.
Even if everything seems fine with your baby’s teeth and gums, regular dental checkups are important to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy and developing properly.
To set up your baby’s first dental appointment, or to learn about any of the other pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services we offer, call 703-483-9933 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.
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