When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?

As a parent, you want to make sure your child grows up happy and healthy. But when it comes to oral health, many parents may be surprised to learn they need to take their child to the dentist when they are really young.

Even baby teeth are prone to get cavities. As a general rule, Muscatine pediatric dentists recommend bringing your child in for a consultation from the moment their first baby tooth begins to appear. 

If this sounds a bit confusing, keep reading this article to understand why you need to focus on your baby’s oral health so early.

Why Do You Need to Take a Baby to a Dentist?

A child’s first tooth can begin to erupt as early as 3 months. Picturing a baby in a dentist’s office can seem strange, but this short consultation is incredibly important to helping the child develop healthy and strong teeth.

For starters, many parents don’t really know how to properly care for a baby’s teeth, in which case a consultation with a pediatric dentist can prove quite informative. You can receive a lot of tips on how to gently brush the tooth, monitor the tooth development, and spot signs that something might need more attention.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that from the moment a baby’s first tooth erupts, it is prone to decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth start eating food particles and release acids that can break down the tooth enamel. Even if your baby isn’t eating solid foods, the sugars in the milk they drink are enough to increase their risk of cavities.

What Does a Baby’s Dental Visit Even Look Like?

A pediatric dentist will examine your baby’s teeth and gums, and make note of any issues that could require more attention. For example, they will look at the health of the erupted tooth, such as whether it has a weaker enamel which could increase the baby’s risk for cavities.

Usually, this first appointment is more about the parents than the baby. The dentist can provide many recommendations on how to care for your child’s oral health, including:

• Using a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean their teeth.
• Mixing a bit of adult toothpaste with your child’s toothpaste (to get some extra fluoride.)
• Improving the child’s eating habits to prevent cavities (such as reducing sugary treats or juices.)
• Answer any questions parents may have, such as when to wean the child off the pacifier, etc.

Bring Your Child to Arctic Dental, PLC

If your little one is already growing their first tooth, then it may be time for Dr. Jarod at Arctic Dental, PLC to see them for a short consultation.

Book an appointment at Arctic Dental, PLC online, and stop by our office to find out how to properly care for your child’s oral health.

For more information, call us at (563) 607-5979 today!