When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Being a parent, you get to witness so many remarkable milestones. That first smile, first step, first haircut, and first visit to the dentist. Your trusted team at Dental Care of Greensboro looks forward to providing your little one with quality pediatric dentistry services to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

A baby should first visit a dentist as soon as the first tooth emerges and no later than the first birthday. That’s according to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). If your child is past that age and hasn’t seen a dentist yet, it’s not too late. Make sure you schedule your little one’s first dental visit right away.

After the first appointment, we recommend routine dental visits every six months. If, however, your child develops any dental problems, make sure to contact us right away. Signs your child requires dental care are white spots on the teeth, a bluish bruise where a tooth is coming in, ulcers or lesions in the mouth, or any other concerns.

Why Care for Baby Teeth?

Even though your little one’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, they matter. Your child needs healthy teeth to learn how to speak and chew solid foods. A painful or decayed tooth may interfere with eating and getting the nutrition required for proper development. Moreover, tooth decay in baby teeth may permanently damage the adult teeth developing behind the scenes.

If a tooth is lost too early due to damage or decay, the surrounding teeth may shift into the gap, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. That usually means your child will need orthodontic treatments down the road. Maintaining healthy baby teeth is essential for your child to enjoy long-term healthy smiles.

What Happens During a First Dentist Visit?

Your little one’s first visit is an exciting milestone, and we’re so excited to share it with you. After greeting you and your little one, we’ll go over any concerns and conduct a gentle exam to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy. We’ll also evaluate the health of your baby’s lips, tongue, bite, and overall development.

The first visit will also include a conversation about proper oral hygiene habits, nutrition, teething, pacifier use, fluoride needs, and healthy habits for long-term dental health. We encourage you to ask any questions and share any concerns.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services in Greensboro

Contact Dental Care of Greensboro to learn more about getting your little one’s smile off to a great start. Our team looks forward to working alongside you to ensure your little one enjoys healthy smiles for a lifetime. Call our kid-friendly office and schedule your child’s first dental appointment today!

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At Dental Care of Greensboro, we offer cutting-edge preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures at our state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy and confident for a lifetime!
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