Children typically cut their first tooth by the time they turn one. However, early dental care should begin even sooner. Jihee Chun, DDS, and the team at Dental Kidz Club encourage parents to practice gum care until their child starts teething, which is when children should have their first dental appointment. Dental Kidz Club has offices in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. Call the practice today to schedule your tot's early dental care appointment.
Early dental care is an important part of your child’s health. In fact, the earlier you start instilling proper oral hygiene habits, the more likely they will be to continue as they get older. In addition, teaching your children how to take care of their teeth when they are young not only promotes a healthy smile but can also help catch dental issues easily on.
The Importance of Early Dental Care
In addition, to teaching proper oral hygiene, early dental care offers a variety of other benefits as well:
- Evaluates and monitors tooth development: Regular visits to the dentist ensure that your child’s teeth are coming in on time. It also allows your dentist to evaluate whether their teeth are coming in properly and address any issues or concerns.
- Prevents tooth decay: Tooth decay happens as soon as baby teeth start to emerge. As such, it is important to identify and treat any potential dental issues.
- Parental education: Visiting the dentist early on also provides valuable information about proper brushing techniques, nutrition, and things your child needs to avoid once their teeth are in.
- Build Self-Confidence: Fear of the dentist can happen at any age, so the early your child visits the dentist, the more confident and less anxious they will be.
Scheduling The First Visit
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see the dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in. The first visit is an introduction to the dentist and only involves a visual inspection of the teeth and gums. You will also be advised on proper nutrition and how to brush their teeth at home. If your child is still using a pacifier, the dentist will provide tips for helping them wean off of it.
Early Dental Care Q & A
When should I begin early dental care with my child?
Many people wait until their child cuts their first tooth before they think about early dental care, but did you know that you can begin looking after your child's teeth before they even have any?
The team at Dental Kidz Club recommends that all children see a dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. While this may seem early, these appointments are an essential part of your child's dental health and help with the following:
- Identifying dental issues when they're easier to correct
- Providing helpful advice to parents and guardians
- Reducing the chances of dental pain and infection
- Creating familiarity with the dental team from a young age
It's never too early to learn about dental health. Taking the first steps now makes it easier as your child gets older.
How do I practice early dental care when my child has no teeth?
Feeling something unusual in their mouth can feel alien to a child, and it's typical for them to reject it. The earlier you can get them used to the sensation, the easier it will be for you to brush their teeth once they have them.
You can do this by wiping around your child's mouth with a clean cloth after each feeding and gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or gauze pad.
How do I introduce teeth cleaning as part of early dental care?
Once your child cuts their first tooth, begin brushing twice a day using a finger brush or soft-bristled baby toothbrush. You can even use a grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, but don't use any more than this as children under three can't spit it out. Once your child has two teeth side by side, you can begin flossing as well.
Your provider at Dental Kidz Club will also try to brush your child's teeth at their regular checkups. Don't worry if your child wiggles around or refuses to open their mouth at the first few appointments — that's perfectly normal. But the more you practice at home, the less daunting your child will find it.
The team at Dental Kidz Club has years of experience in making their youngest patients feel welcome and safe. Take the first steps to healthy, happy smiles today. Call the practice to make an appointment.
How Can I Prepare My Child?
If your child is old enough to understand, start by explaining who the dentist is. Tell them the dentist is someone who wants to help them take care of their teeth and that you are super excited for them to meet the dentist.
