When should my child have their first dental appointment?

Regular dental care is as important for kids as it is for adults. In the same way, children need to see the doctor from an early age; they must also visit the dentist.

But when is the best time to take a child to the dentist for their first visit?

Keep reading to learn more about when kids need their first dental appointment and why.

Mother Helping Todler To Brush His Teeth

When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

New parents often wonder, “ when should I start taking my kids to the dentist?” Every child is different, so the exact timeline may vary. However, the general recommendation by the American Dental Association is that children should attend their first dental visit within 6 months of getting their first tooth.

Generally, this timeline happens around 12 months old. But what if your child approached one year old and they don’t have any teeth? You should still bring them to the dentist for a first check-up.

But why bring a child to the dentist if they don’t have teeth?

Benefits of Early Dental Visits

Even if your child has a few teeth by their first birthday, a dental visit may seem excessive. While the appointment will likely be brief, it’s still a very important one.

Bringing your child to the dentist early gives them a chance to warm up to dental visits before they need more extensive treatments. They’ll get a chance to practice sitting in the chair and opening wide for the dentist. They can also begin to form a relationship with the dentist so they feel more comfortable in later visits. Overall, early dental visits help reduce the chances of your child developing a fear of the dentist.

Furthermore, the appointment gives the dentist a chance to make sure your child’s oral health is developing on track. They can provide you with advice for cleaning baby teeth and gums, when and how to ween from thumbsucking/pacifiers, and more.

Children’s Dentist in Downtown Toronto

In general, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It may seem like a young age, but early dental visits set your child up for long-time oral health success. They also give kids a chance to get used to the dentist, which can help them later on.

For all of your children’s dental care needs, visit Dr. Kinga Kubieniec Dentistry! Our dental team has experience helping patients of all ages. We do everything we can to help children feel comfortable and enjoy their dental visits.

Schedule your appointment today with our children’s dentist in Downtown Toronto today!

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