When Should My Child Start Seeing the Dentist?

Your child’s health and wellbeing are your top priorities. However, being uninformed in regards to your child’s dental health and being pediatric dentistryunaware of how pediatric dentistry works can be detrimental to your child’s oral and general health. Find out when your child should start seeing your South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates dentist in South Miami, FL.

When should my child start seeing their dentist? 
Children should visit the dentist for the first time when their first tooth erupts or they reach their first birthday. This rule of thumb ensures that your child’s teeth are healthy and clean, and also helps promote a positive relationship between the child and their dentist to quell any dental anxiety before it begins.

What can I expect at my child’s first dental appointment? 
The first appointment will act more as an introduction than a dental examination, though you can expect the dentist to take a look inside baby’s mouth. This appointment also serves as an important resource for you as a parent to ask questions and voice concerns you may have moving forward in caring for your child’s smile. Your child’s dentist will also talk with you about the proper way to care for your child’s teeth.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth in South Miami, FL
Caring for your child’s teeth at home begins well before their first appointment. As an infant, use a damp, soft cloth to wipe the baby’s gums after meals to remove bacteria. As soon as you see your baby’s first tooth, begin brushing it twice daily with a soft toothbrush. When the teeth grow close enough together to touch, begin flossing between each tooth at least once a day. Finally, be sure to commit to a strict schedule of twice-yearly dental appointments for regular examinations and cleanings.

For more information on pediatric dentistry, please contact the pediatric dentists at South Miami Pediatric Dental Associates in South Miami, FL. Call (305) 666-2068 to schedule your child’s dental examination and cleaning today!