Good oral health starts at an early age and you should take your child in for regular dental checkups to make sure their teeth and gums remain healthy. Most doctors advise that you should take your baby to the dentist for the first time around their first birthday or when the first tooth comes through. But how often should you take the little one back for checkups?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children. Some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Your pediatric dentist will be able to advise you further based on your child’s dental health.
You should make going to the dentist a pleasant experience for your child so that he or she doesn’t get frightened when the appointments come up. If they need to visit the dentist more often because of certain problems, talk to them about the procedure beforehand and let them know what to expect without frightening them. Answer their questions honestly and assure them that you will be nearby.
It’s important to make sure that your child’s teeth remain healthy and that you follow a dental hygiene routine daily. Even if your baby hasn’t got his or her teeth yet, you should wipe the gums with a damp cloth after they eat or drink, to make sure those bacteria doesn’t build up. Also talk to your doctor about the kinds of foods that your baby should and shouldn’t be eating for their age group.
When will my baby start getting teeth?
Most babies get their first teeth between six and fourteen months of age. A baby’s teeth actually start developing while still in the womb and are set in the jawbone at the time of birth. Babies usually get teeth in pairs, with the first two poking through around the age of six months, and another two coming through about a month later. All 20 of a baby’s primary teeth should be present by the age of two or three years.
Talk to your dentist for the best advice on taking care of your baby’s teeth and maintaining good oral health from an early age.
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