When to Take Your Child to a Family Dentist

Family Dentist Santa Ana, CA

When it comes to the dental care of your child, the right time for your child’s first visit to a family dentist might be sooner than you think. One survey by the Delta Dental Plans Association found that many children’s first dental visit was not until the age of two. This is later than it is recommended by many medical professionals. Read on to learn why you should consider taking your child to a family dentist at a young age.

The right time to see a family dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child should go to the dentist by the age of one. If the first tooth erupts before this age, then the child should go to the dentist before this time. In general, the primary teeth will grow in around the age of six months. Visiting a family dentist is important for a child. Regular visits can help the dentist find any potential issues.

Preparing a child for a visit to the dentist

If a child goes to a family dentist when the first tooth erupts, the child will most likely not be too nervous as they will be young. However, waiting until the child is older before the first dental visit can cause the child to feel nervous about the visit. There are a few things that a parent or a caregiver can do to ensure that the child has a good first experience with a family dentist:

  • Giving the child a preview: a parent can take the child to the family dentist when the parent has a general appointment. This can allow the child to see what happens
  • Learning about dentists: a parent can find online resources or books that will teach the child more about the importance of going to the dentist
  • Planning the right time: it is important to plan ahead of time so the first dental exam will not be rushed. The parent can also ensure that the child is rested, allowing the child to feel more comfortable at the visit
  • “Practicing” ahead of time: a parent can also take time to pretend to be the dentist for the child and switch roles. The parent and child can examine each other’s mouths using a mirror. This will allow the child to both understand what goes on in a dental examination and to know what a dental examination feels like

Visit a family dentist near you today

It is important for you to take your child to a family dentist as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. This will allow the child to get used to the idea of regular dental visits, which can be important for the future. Regular dental visits from a young age can also help the dentist to keep an eye on any potential issues that may negatively impact the child’s oral health in later years. Visiting a family dentist today can help you ensure that your child’s teeth will remain strong.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysmilefamilydental.net or call My Smile Family Dental at (714) 408-4343 for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Santa Ana, CA.

Recent Posts

How A Family Dentist Treats An Abscessed Tooth

A family dentist is a professional who offers various general dentistry procedures to patients of all ages. Those who practice family dentistry can treat many serious dental concerns, including an abscessed tooth. In addition to being painful, an abscess can lead to further health concerns. Patients experiencing this issue should seek treatment right away.An abscess…

Choosing The Right Family Dentist For You

Finding the right family dentist is important for your family’s oral health. An experienced dental care provider can provide quality care for your whole family. Having one dentist overseeing your family’s dental health will provide your family consistent care. If you want to know what to consider in selecting the right dentist for your family,…

A Family Dentist Discusses The Importance Of X-rays

At one point or another, a family dentist might suggest getting x-rays and examinations of the oral cavity. The scans might be more regularly recommended for patients with a high risk of tooth decay than once or twice a year. X-rays are important and a necessary aspect of a dental diagnostic procedure. Without the scan,…

A Kid Friendly Dentist Explains The Importance Of Brushing

Your kid friendly dentist understands how difficult it is to motivate kids to brush their teeth. Children often think of brushing as a tiring activity. Proper motivation can help them form this healthy habit. If you want to give your kids stronger reasons to brush, here are some details from a kid friendly dentist.Brushing two…

Recent Posts

How A Family Dentist Treats An Abscessed Tooth

How A Family Dentist Treats An Abscessed Tooth

A family dentist is a professional who offers various general dentistry procedures to patients of all ages. Those who practice family dentistry can treat many serious dental concerns, including an abscessed tooth. In addition to being painful, an abscess can lead to further health concerns. Patients experiencing this issue should seek treatment right away.An abscess…

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…