Among hundreds of things, one common situation that many parents often struggle with is identifying the correct time or the right age to start taking their kids to the dentist.
The confusion mainly arises because the parents are unsure of whether they should wait for their child to grow all his teeth or until there's some serious dental issue that their child is facing.
According to experts, the ideal age or time for that first visit to the dentist for your child is much earlier than you'd normally think.
The Right Age to Take Your Child to the Dentist
The most common answer to this question from dentists from all around the globe is that the first visit should ideally take place either the time when your child celebrates their first birthday or perhaps, exactly when their first tooth becomes visible in their mouth.
The first visit to the dentist is usually about getting your child used to the idea of getting dental check-ups, but more importantly than that, the dentist will give some essential information on things related to your child's oral health such as:
- Teething issues
- Finger-sucking habits
- Cleaning the mouth
- Pacifier habits
- Tooth decay from a baby bottle
At this point, the dentist will also take your child's full health history in order to be able to guide you accordingly and take all the right decisions when it comes to your child's dental health and hygiene.
How Long Is The First Visit?
Your child's first visit to the dentist can typically last anywhere between 30-45 minutes.
It is also possible for the dentist to conduct a proper oral exam of your child to inspect their gums, teeth, jaws, and tissue growth and development. However, this greatly depends on your child's age and the fact that whether they need a dental examination or not.
Benefits of Early Visits
You might think that taking your child to the dentist as early as their first birthday is unnecessary; however, there is a very important reason for doing that.
Early visits are an excellent way to prevent trouble and to identify any possible dental problems that your child might be experiencing.
As soon as the first tooth becomes visible, the risks of discolouration and tooth decay become higher than ever.
Taking your child to the dentist will prevent that from happening right in time.
Additionally, early visits help dentists track and keep a check on your child's dental health, too.
For instance, if your child develops dental diseases, he or she can't be given the standard sedation for treatment. So, these visits are absolutely crucial to keep your child's oral hygiene in check and treating any dental issues that might occur.
Final Word
It is very important to prepare your child for their first dental visits and make them familiar with the dentist, his or her workplace and the overall procedure. At the same time, it is also crucial to find the best dentist in town because it's about your child's health after all.