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When should you plan your child’s first dental visit? If you see a tooth, it’s time! That’s right; you should take your little one to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that usually happens at about 6 months old. Regardless of when your child’s first tooth erupts, don’t wait until after their first birthday to make an appointment. Also, if you notice anything that looks abnormal in your child’s mouth (white spots, lesions, bleeding, etc.), make an appointment right away. Why Start Taking Your Child to the Dentist So Early? According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), tooth decay affects nearly 1 in 5 children under 5. By catching any developing conditions early, your dental professional will be able to diagnose and treat them effectively. They will do what they can to ensure your baby is set up to have a healthy smile for life. Your pediatric dentist will be able to check for tooth decay, injuries, and other issues during your visit and will be able to track changes in your baby’s mouth as they age. How to prepare your Baby’s first dental visit? Even before your baby’s pearly whites make their first appearance, it’s important to gently clean their gums with a cloth (or gauze) and water, especially after breastfeeding. You can use a soft toothbrush designed for children’s mouths as well, but don’t start using fluoridated toothpaste until your child is at least 2 years old. When teeth are forming, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fluoride use can cause fluorosis. Fluorosis can cause spots on teeth, discoloration, and in severe forms, can even create pits in teeth. Having a gum-cleaning routine will accustom your child very early to a daily dental routine and help your infant be more comfortable at their first dentist visit. What to expect when you take your baby to the dentist? During your baby’s first visit, you’ll be in the room with them. If they are squirming or won’t sit still in the dental chair, the dental professional may even have them sit on your lap to make the experience as comfortable as possible. They will perform a routine examination, looking for tooth decay, and checking your child’s gums, jaw, and bite, and looking for frenum issues or other problems that may affect teeth or speech patterns. Then they’ll carefully clean your baby’s teeth and gums, advise you on how best you can properly care for your child’s mouth, and then they will answer any questions you may have. What are the common PEDIATRIC Dental procedures? FILLINGS One of the most common dental procedures that pediatric dentists perform is dental fillings. Children’s teeth are prone to decay, which can result in cavities. Most of the time, cavities can be treated with a quick and simple dental filling procedure. Dental cleanings Having a child visit a dental hygienist for regular cleanings is another common and important pediatric dental procedure. Routine cleanings are important because children’s teeth are more susceptible to cavities due to excessive sugar consumption and a lack of oral hygiene. Extractions Another common pediatric dental procedure is a tooth extraction. As surprising as it may sound, many children require an extraction during their youth. When teeth get overly infected or if they do not have room in the mouth, a pediatric dentist may recommend that the tooth be pulled Dental crowns When a tooth is severely infected, the pediatric dentist may recommend that a dental crown be placed. This is one of the most common pediatric dental procedures done today. Dental crowns can restore and renew teeth that are poorly damaged.

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