When Should My Children First See the Dentist?

According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, children should be seen within the first year or within 6 months after their first tooth comes in (See: Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents). This may seem too soon, however, early dental visits are key in establishing good dental health and learning how to prevent tooth decay. Here are a few topics that a dentist will address with their youngest patients and their parents:

• Tricks and methods for brushing and keeping a baby or toddler’s mouth and baby teeth healthy
• What are the child’s fluoride needs?
• When and how to begin using toothpaste?
• What type of tools to use with very small children, such as a washcloth or very soft toothbrush?
• How to prevent ECC or Early Childhood Caries that are often associated with drinking from or falling asleep with a bottle?
• What to expect and how to help your child adjust to the pain of teething?
• If there are any beginning signs of decay and what to do to avoid any future problems.

Bringing your children to the dentist early will help them become familiar with the dental visit experience and they are less likely to be fearful. Of course, it will also help them establish good dental hygiene habits for life!

Call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment for your child with Dr.Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC.