When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Dental Visit?
At High Street Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of caring for your child’s smile right from the start to lay the foundation for strong and healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We are pleased to welcome children to our family-friendly practice, ensuring their time with us is always happy and memorable. We look forward to helping you get your little one’s smile off to a great start.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s Initial Dental Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you schedule your child’s first dental visit when the first tooth emerges or by their first birthday. While this may seem early, it serves as a measure to get your child on track to a lifetime of oral health.
After the first dental visit, most children require twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings to keep their smiles in tip-top shape. Your little one’s dental appointments help lower the risk of dental disease and also help us detect any concerns at an early stage when they are the easiest to treat. Early dental care helps familiarize your child with the dental setting, which can reduce the fear or anxiety of future dental visits.
Why Care for Baby Teeth?
Even though baby teeth will fall out eventually, keeping them healthy reflects on the health of the adult teeth developing behind the scenes. These tiny chompers hold open the space the permanent teeth need to come in, guiding them into the proper alignment. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the neighboring teeth may shift toward the space, interfering with the alignment of the adult teeth when it’s time for them to come in. That usually means orthodontic treatment down the road.
Maintaining baby teeth plays a vital role in your child’s overall well-being and development. They help your little one eat a wide range of nutritious foods and help with speech development, ensuring confident communication. Developing good dental care habits from a young age contributes to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
What Can You Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit?
The first dental visit is usually quick and simple. Our friendly team will greet you and ensure you and your little one feel comfortable and at ease. We will conduct a gentle exam, evaluate your child’s teeth, gums, and oral development, and check for signs of cavities, gum inflammation, and other oral health concerns.
We are always happy to offer guidance on home oral hygiene care and discuss age-related concerns, like teething, thumb sucking, and pacifier use. We also provide nutritional counseling to ensure your little one’s teeth and gums grow healthy and strong. Our team is always happy to answer your questions and offer tips on caring for your child’s smile.
Children’s Dental Care Near Me in Jefferson City, MO
Dr. Jones and our dedicated team at High Street Dentistry look forward to welcoming every member of your family to our practice. We strive to create positive associations with the dentist and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. We invite you to call (573) 636-7432 to schedule your child’s first dental appointment or request one online today!