Your Child’s First Dental Visit

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When Should Your Child Visit the Dentist?

Your child should visit the dentist about six months to a year after their first tooth comes in. The first visit is usually short and involves no treatment unless there’s a dental issue. It’s a chance for your child to meet the dentist and get comfortable with the dental environment, helping to build a positive relationship.

What Happens During the Visit?

The dentist will:

1. Check the condition of your child’s teeth, looking for decay, bite issues, and potential problems with jaws, gums, and oral tissues.

2. Clean the teeth and possibly provide a fluoride treatment.

3. Offer advice on how to care for your child’s oral health.

What Makes Pediatric Dentists Different?

Pediatric dentists have two additional years of training in dental school, focusing on children’s developing teeth and their specific needs. They specialize in children’s dentistry and design their clinics to be child-friendly.

Dental X-Rays for Children

There are no strict rules about when to start dental X-rays. Children at higher risk of dental problems may need them earlier. Around age 5-6, when permanent teeth start coming in, a visit to the dentist can help ensure everything is developing correctly.

If you’re looking for an affordable kids’ dentist in Boynton Beach contact Miller Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

A: A child’s first visit to the dentist is a big event. That’s why our staff considers the needs of parents and kids. Unless there is a dental problem, your initial appointment is typically brief, but allows time for us to get to know you and your child. In our cheerful office, we’ll greet you with a friendly smile and immediately start building a positive relationship with your family by talking and also lessening your child’s normal anxieties about going to the dentist. We’ll check the teeth’s overall condition and we’ll look for signs of decay. We’ll examine your little one’s jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues. If cleaning is necessary, we can take care of that, as well, and we’ll make recommendations for your next appointment.

A: Generally, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist within six months of the first tooth erupting, or around the time of your little one’s first birthday. Studies show that this initial well visit is a great help for dentists to help predict and, possibly, prevent future risk of toddler tooth decay. This introductory experience with our pediatric dentist is also a wonderful way to learn and establish healthy oral habits, such as regular gum and tooth brushing.

A: Everyone wants the best care for their little ones. That’s why scheduling your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist is a wise choice. We are trained specifically in dealing with the oral health and temperaments of babies, toddlers, young children and growing teenagers. We undergo two extra years of medical training and bring a unique expertise that guarantees a happy start to your child’s relationship with the dentist and fosters healthy oral care through their adolescence.

A: We offer a variety of preventative care procedures and treatments which, if done regularly, can make a huge difference in the health of your child’s teeth. At the top of our list are biannual checkups to take a close look at gums and teeth, gently clean those little pearly whites and carefully evaluate overall oral health. By planning ahead with these scheduled appointments, you can keep the ‘sugar bugs’ away and avoid decay. We also offer infant and pediatric digital x-rays, dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

A: Preventative care is essential for children’s developing teeth because these checkups and regular procedures can lessen or completely avoid dental problems as your kids grow. Often, plaque builds up on teeth, causing cavities before the child feels or sees any signs of decay. Stopping the ‘sugar bugs’ before they do damage is vital for oral health. Moreover, regular dental education for kids and their families develops life-long brushing and flossing habits that will keep your child’s smile bright for years to come.

A: From the start, our team schedules your preventative care appointments at the ideal time for your family, so we can ensure a calm, peaceful visit. We’ll explain the benefits of regular checkups and demonstrate recommended brushing and flossing techniques that will help you start your little one on a lifetime of smart dental habits. Additionally, we’ll evaluate the specific needs of your child, take safe digital x-rays and give you a heads-up on what to expect as your child’s teeth develop. Parents are always welcome in our exam rooms!



Plan your Dental Visit Today!