When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?

Being a parent is wonderful and rewarding, with a whole lot of “firsts” you’ll get to experience alongside your little one. That first smile, first word, first tiny tooth, and even the first visit to the dentist! At Highlight Family Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring your child’s time with us is always happy and memorable. We look forward to working alongside you to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Why Should You Care for Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth don’t matter because they’ll fall out eventually. Right? Wrong! Baby teeth are incredibly important. The health of those tiny chompers will reflect on your little one’s long-term oral health.

Baby teeth maintain the space needed for the adult teeth developing behind the scenes and act as guides to help them come in correctly. Losing a baby tooth early on often results in the surrounding teeth shifting out of alignment, leaving your little one with crooked teeth, a crowded mouth, and even problems with the bite. That means your child will likely end up needing orthodontic treatments down the road.

Healthy baby teeth play a role in your child’s speech development. They also help with biting and chewing, which ensures your child gets the needed nutrition to stay healthy. Early and regular dental visits help prevent tooth decay, a problem that affects more than 40 percent of children aged 2 to 5.

When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment?

The first tooth is a milestone in your baby’s life. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your little one should first see a dentist as soon as that pearly white emerges and no later than the first birthday. Just like adults, children require twice-a-year exams and cleanings, or more frequently if they are susceptible to developing tooth decay and cavities. Maintaining regular visits will allow us to provide preventive treatments, as needed, and treat any dental health problems as they develop.

What Happens During an Infant or a Toddler’s First Dental Visit?

Your child’s first dental appointment is an exciting milestone, and we’re happy to celebrate alongside you. After meeting and greeting you and your little one, we’ll review your baby’s medical history and any concerns you have. We will examine your child’s teeth and gums to rule out signs of tooth decay or any other problems.

During the appointment, we’ll talk about proper oral hygiene, demonstrate how to clean your child’s teeth, and discuss healthy nutrition for long-term healthy smiles. We are happy to answer any questions about your little one’s oral health and development.

Your baby’s first dental visit is important to us, and we’ll make sure it’s a happy experience. Our goal is to get your little one’s smile off to a great start for a lifetime of cavity-free, beautiful smiles!

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me

Visit Highlight Family Dentistry in Hutto, TX, to learn more about our quality, gentle pediatric dentistry services. Our kid-friendly team is committed to providing the highest level of care in a safe and happy environment. We look forward to welcoming you and your little one into our family. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment today!