When to Take Your Children for Their First Dental Checkup?

Dental checkups are an important part of an individual’s hygiene and self-care. Making it a habit to take your child to the dentist from a very young age makes it easier for them to stay in that habit even when they grow up. Even though many parents take their children to the dentist regularly, the big question for many new parents is, “When to take your children for their first dental checkup?” 

The answer to this question is simple. As soon as you see your child’s first tooth erupt, that is the best time to take them to the dentist. This is typical at the age of six to seven months. However, the latest dentists recommend taking your child is by the age of 12 months. The dentist for children can identify and inform the parent about many things at this point, for example: how to keep your infant’s mouth clean, they can give you information about conditions such as baby bottle tooth decay and guide you on feeding practices for your infant. Dentists can also advise parents on the use of pacifiers as well as teething habits and best teethers to use. 

However, dental checkups can sometimes be looked at as “scary” and to eliminate that factor, there are a few steps you can follow to make the first dental visit easier for you and the baby.

• Plan an office tour to the dentist’s office: this will familiarize you with the clinic and ensure you are aware of the steps you need to take once you come in with your child.

• Shows with dental themes: in today’s digital age, our children gain most of their knowledge and know-how watching various shows on the internet or television. Letting your child watch a few dental themed shows will make them comfortable with the process as they become older and visit the dentist. 

• Have a positive attitude: Children are influenced by their parent’s feelings. And if the parent is keeping a positive attitude towards the visit the child will mimic that attitude.
• Bring your child’s favorite toy: a favorite toy or a comfort item that your child holds dear is a great tool to carry with you when going to any doctor’s appointment. 
• Reward positive behavior: appreciating your child’s courage and rewarding them with something simple as a small toy or their favorite meal can give them the feeling of achievement and accomplishment of a big task. 

Another great step parents can take to making sure dentist visits happen in a positive note is to take care of your child’s dental hygiene at home. Some steps to follow are: 

• Cleaning your child’s gums with a soft damp cloth before the teeth come in.
• When your child’s first tooth start appearing, brush their teeth with a soft-bristled brush and a tiny amount of toothpaste
• Avoid leaving a bottle in your child’s mouth when they sleep as this will promote baby bottle tooth decay.
• Make sure to use the appropriate sized teat for your child’s bottle. This will ensure they empty their bottle fast and avoid keeping it in their mouth for a long period.
• When your child is old enough, help them brush their teeth. Keeping up this practice until they are at least 7 or 8 years old will make sure the habit stays with them till adulthood. 
• Limiting foods that encourage tooth decay is also a good way to maintain hygiene for your children. 

Keeping these few pointers in mind, a parent can easily instill the habit of good dental hygiene in their child.