It's a question many parents ask: when should I take my child to the dentist for the first time? The answer might surprise you. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

Why So Early?

You might think that's a bit early, but there are good reasons for it. First, it helps your child get used to the dentist's office, which can be a scary place for little ones. The sooner they start visiting, the more comfortable they'll be. Second, early visits can catch potential problems before they become serious. Dentists can spot signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.

• Dentists can provide advice on proper oral care for infants and toddlers.
• Early visits can help identify potential problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
• Regular dental visits can establish a healthy oral hygiene routine for your child.

What to Expect at the First Visit

The first visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

• The first visit includes a complete examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums, and oral tissues to monitor growth and development.
• If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride.
• The dentist will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction your child may have – cooperative or non-cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit.

• Read books with them about visiting the dentist.
• Speak positively about your own dental experiences.
• Make the dental appointment a part of the day's fun activities.

Regular Dental Visits

After the first visit, regular check-ups every six months help your dentist keep your child's teeth healthy by removing plaque build-up and food debris that may be stuck in his teeth. This is an important part of dental care because it prevents bacteria from continuing to grow, which may eventually lead to other dental diseases (e.g. tooth decay or gum disease). Regular visits also can catch small problems early before they become major ones.

• Regular visits help to keep your child's teeth clean and healthy.
• Frequent check-ups allow your dentist to closely monitor your child's oral health.
• Regular appointments allow your dentist to catch problems early.

Schedule Your Child's First Visit in Columbia, MD

At Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that a child's first visit to the dentist can be a little scary. That's why our team works hard to make sure your child feels comfortable and safe at all times. We're proud to serve families in Columbia, MD, and we're ready to help your child get the dental care they need. Call us today at (443) 832-6111 to schedule your child's first visit with Dr. Su Kim.