When Should My Baby See a Pediatric Dentist for the First Time?

Take your baby to visit their pediatric dentist early on.

As parents, there are so many activities and milestones that we need to keep track of. During their first several years of life, kids make many trips to the doctor for well-child visits to ensure their development and growth are on track. The first trip to the dentist should also take place early on. Most medical and dental experts suggest that your child see a dentist for the first time approximately six months after their first tooth comes in. And, if your child’s first tooth hasn’t erupted by their first birthday, a trip to the pediatric dentist is a good idea.

By taking your child for their first visit early on, both you and your child will experience a few critical benefits.

• Your child will get used to going to the dentist. This can be very important to keep children from developing dental anxiety as they get older.
• You will learn how to care for your child’s teeth. In turn, you will help your child develop positive oral health habits, which sets the foundation for healthy teeth as they get older.
• Your dentist can get to know your child and track their medical and dental development, making it easier to identify potential issues in the future.

When will my baby get their first teeth?

As with most things in life, very little is certain. When it comes to babies and young children, this is true because no child is the same. There is quite a bit of variety in terms of when children cut their first tooth. But typically, babies’ incisors will erupt between the first six to 10 months of age. Their upper incisors generally come in just a few short months later. But, as we mentioned, this doesn’t hold for all kids. 

Any good family dentist in Wasilla, AK, will tell you that some babies get their first tooth in the first few weeks of life, and some not until after they are one year of age. This is one reason your pediatric dentist will suggest that you bring your child to the dentist about six months after they cut their first tooth or around the time of their first birthday.

What should I expect at my child’s first visit to the dentist?

During your child’s first trip to the dentist, the team at Valley Dental Clinic will take the time to get to know you. Depending on how comfortable your child feels during the visit, Dr. Robinson or Dr. Lyerly will examine your child’s mouth, gums, and teeth and offer personalized home care recommendations.

But, more importantly, this first visit for parent and child will consist of gathering important health history details so that the dental team is best equipped to provide high-quality dental care for your child. As well as personalized recommendations for home care for your child’s oral health, your pediatric dentist will also recommend the following:

• Start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they come in.
• Brush your child’s teeth twice per day and start teaching them how to brush for themselves around age six.
• Avoid giving your baby sugary foods and drinks; formula, milk, and water are best based on your child’s age.
• Bring your child to the dentist every six months for regular checkups and a dental cleaning.

Why is it so important to bring my child to the dentist every six months?

Since baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth, many parents wonder why they should bring their child to the dentist every six months. Many parents don’t realize those baby teeth are essential. Baby teeth hold space for those future adult teeth to come in. Taking the time to care for your baby’s teeth can help protect your child from the development of tooth decay.

Tooth decay, when not treated, can be painful for your child. Further, it can make it hard for your child to chew food and sometimes even to smile and speak. Finally, tooth decay can create problems for your child’s future teeth.

Looking for the best pediatric dentist in Wasilla, AK?

If you are looking for a dentist for your child in Wasilla, AK, look no further. We believe that choosing the right dentist can dramatically improve your oral health. So, if you are looking to find the best dentist in Wasilla, AK, we believe that we meet all of the criteria you are looking for. Valley Dental is the best choice for your family dentist in Wasilla, AK. 

Our dentists combine compassion, creativity, and professionalism, and we actively pursue our vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry. Our practice is technologically advanced with the latest machines and tools, which means that we can create the best possible dental experience for your child, and you too.
If you are ready to schedule an appointment for your baby’s first trip to the dentist, all you need to do is give us a call at (907) 376-3884 or use our online scheduling request form. We look forward to meeting you and your child.