Do Babies Need to Go to the Dentist? An FAQ

Babies have no teeth for the first many months of their life. Once the teeth start to grow in, parents need to make the decision of when to take their child to the dentist. Taking your child to regular dental appointments helps set them up for a life of good oral hygiene. If you’re a new parent or just have questions about your child’s dental cleaning routine, answers to these frequently asked questions can help.

Do babies need to go to the dentist?

According to the American Dental Association, babies need to go to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Seeing the dentist this early is beneficial for a number of reasons.

It gives the pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH a chance to determine whether something is going wrong with your child’s dental health. It also helps your child get used to seeing the dentist at an early age. Doing this can affect your child’s attitudes about the dentist for years into the future.

What happens during a dental appointment for a toddler?

During your child’s first visit to the dentist, your child will be seated in a dental chair – either alone, or on your lap, depending on what your child needs. The dentist will gently examine the appearance of your child’s teeth, looking for injuries or potential problems.

Your child’s dentist will show you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth. Your child’s dentist will recommend an approximate date for the next appointment, and ask you if you have any questions. Once this is done, the pediatric dental checkup in Bellbrook, OH will be finished.

Why should I bring my child to the dentist if they don’t have most of their teeth?

Children who start seeing the dentist from an early age have a longer period of time to adjust to seeing the dentist. This can help your child understand how important dental hygiene is, and that seeing the dentist is a regular part of their dental hygiene routine.

Make Your Child’s Next Appointment with the Dentist

If your child is one year old or has their first teeth, it’s time for their first appointment. Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.