Having clean and healthy teeth is important no matter what age. However, when you’re a first-time parent, you may be wondering when you should schedule your baby’s first dental appointment. After all, babies need to get their teeth looked at as well to ensure things are going great.
How Old Should a Baby Be to See the Dentist for the First Time?
The best age to schedule a baby’s first dental appointment is nine months to one year old. This is an ideal time to bring your baby in to give them a good smile for the long term.
If you schedule in advance, then you’ll have time to prepare for the dental appointment. You can read about tooth development in babies to ensure your bases are covered.
However, don’t stress if you don’t have time to prepare. Your baby’s first dental appointment can be earlier than one year old. The most important thing is to make sure you schedule that first appointment.
Why You Should Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment Early
When your baby is a newborn, they don’t have any teeth. If there’s an issue with their mouth, they’ll need a professional to take care of it. This can happen at any time, so you’ll want to schedule their appointment early.
Additionally, when a baby is a newborn, they’re not able to communicate that they’re having a problem in their mouth. They can’t tell you they’re in pain and probably don’t even know what a toothache is. This can be terrifying for your child.
What Happens During Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment?
During your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will check to make sure all 20 teeth are there. They’ll also check for any missing teeth. The dentist will talk about tooth alignment if you’re concerned about your baby’s appearance.
If your baby has any pain or damage in their mouth, the dentist will make sure to fix it. They’ll give you treatment options to get your baby’s mouth feeling better.
The dentist will also talk about hygiene for your baby. Since you want your baby to grow up with a great smile, you’ll want to share the best hygiene practices with your child.
The dentist will talk about things like brushing and flossing with your infant. This is the best time to teach your child good dental hygiene habits.
What to Bring to Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment?
Your baby’s first dental appointment will likely be a little overwhelming. However, if you bring a few things to the appointment, it will make things much easier.
You should first bring a list of your child’s medications. The dentist will need to know if your child has any medical conditions.
The second thing you’ll want to bring is a list of your child’s special needs. For example, if your child has allergies or other challenges, it’s important to bring that information to the dentist.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when you’re a parent, you want to make sure your child has a healthy smile. The best way to do this is by scheduling a first dental appointment early. Your child’s first dental appointment will give you a chance to teach them good dental hygiene habits.
Address your baby’s dental needs with the help of Watertown Dentistry. We are a dentist in Watertown that provide preventive dentistry, periodontal care, and endodontics. At Watertown Dentistry, our dentists pride themselves on providing the best possible care for our patients. Schedule an appointment now!