Professional dental care is important at any age, but early dental care is absolutely essential. Preventive dental care is designed to maintain your oral health, keeping cavities and gum disease from developing. Restorative dental care is used to repair damage to the teeth from the effects of these common problems. These and other services exist to provide the necessary care to achieve optimal oral health and general well-being.
If you have an infant or young child, it may be time to begin their professional dental care routine. Learn more about the importance of early dental care and when is the right time to get started.
What is Early Dental Care?
Early dental care is designed for our youngest patients, particularly infants and toddlers. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that children should have their first dental visit around the age of one, or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. An early dental visit will typically include a comprehensive oral examination and a cleaning of any visible teeth. The primary purpose of the first dental visit is to introduce the child to the experience of going to the dentist and help them become comfortable.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
Beginning dental care at an early age offers many benefits:
- Establish a dental home and routine. When you choose a dentist for your child’s first dental visit, you are establishing their dental home, meaning the practice where they will receive care throughout their childhood and into adolescence. Children benefit from routine and a familiar setting.
- Develop a dental baseline. Starting dental care early provides a baseline for oral health that can be used to compare all future visits. If problems occur, the baseline information is helpful in determining cause and treatment.
- Prevent dental anxiety. The earlier children begin going to the dentist on a regular schedule, the less likely they are to develop dental anxiety. Routine dental visits should be something they view as normal and nothing to fear.
- Reduced dental work. Children who go to the dentist regularly beginning at an early age are less likely to have tooth decay that needs to be treated with dental procedures. Preventing dental problems also makes dental care easier and less intimidating for children.
How Important Are Baby Teeth if They Just Fall Out?
Many parents question the value of early dental care because the primary (baby) teeth eventually fall out. However, the baby teeth serve many important purposes, such as:
- Eating. The baby teeth are crucial as infants and children learn to chew food. Effective chewing aids in digestion and prevents choking.
- Speech development. Baby teeth also facilitate speech development that sets the tone for a lifetime of proper pronunciation and diction.
- Confidence. Healthy teeth create healthy looking smiles, promoting confidence in children.
- Preparation for permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth lead to the development of healthy permanent teeth. The primary teeth also serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth, helping them come in properly and reducing the need for orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
What should I expect for my child’s first appointment?
New patient paperwork and a medical history will be needed to get started. Then an introduction to the dentist and dental team will help your child feel comfortable. If they are ready, a brief exam and cleaning will be conducted. The goal is to make the first visit fun and relaxing.
How often should I take my child to the dentist?
Routine dental visits should take place every 6 months or twice a year. This schedule is recommended for most patients to prevent cavities and gum disease. Patients who are at a higher risk of oral health concerns may need more frequent visits.