A typical question many parents have is when the best time is for their children to visit the dentist for the first time. Figuring out when it is best to introduce your child to the routine of going to the dentist and going through an exam can be tricky for some parents. Many people often put off a visit until your child complains about a tooth problem or an accident occurs. This can make their first dental visit a traumatic one and they will not have a good association with the dentist, making them want to avoid going at any time in the future. If you are wondering when the right time would be for your child to see an expert in pediatric dentistry or an orthodontist, there are some basics that are often recommended.
Scheduling the First Visit
You might be surprised to learn that most dentists recommend that a first dental visit take place within the months right after your child gets their first tooth. While some may see this as very early since there are only one or two teeth at this point, it is a good idea to get your child’s mouth checked at this point. The visit itself will not be a long one but it is necessary to help get your child used to the idea of going to the dentist. This will allow them to get more comfortable with the idea of someone checking their mouth and seeing what is going on. It also gives the dentist a chance to check and make sure the teeth and gums are healthy, there are no problems to be concerned about and the dentist can even give you some tips for proper cleaning as more teeth start to come in.
Choosing the Right Dentist
If you are unsure about who you should take your child to for a checkup, you may want to see about visiting a family dentist or someone that specializes in dentistry for children. Not all dentists work with children so you want to make sure they are willing to look at young patients and work with them. You want someone that has experience so that you know they will have the demeanor and nature needed to help make your child as comfort as possible right from the start. This will help to build a relationship over the years so that they have no problem going to see the dentist regularly.
Now that you know when your child should see the dentist for the first time it may be a good time for you to find a dentist and make that appointment. If you live in Katy, Texas, a quality Katy pediatric dentist you should take your children to is Darling Dental. Dr. Darlington has been working as a family dentist in the Katy area for several years and has developed a strong reputation as being a gentle and caring dentist that can do a great job for the entire family.