What Happens At The First Dental Visit?
Protect your child’s teeth by starting with dental check-ups. The American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the first dental visit should occur within 6-months of the first tooth eruption or by age one. It is recommended to visit a dentist when your child has no dentals problems.
Why such an early age?
A dentist can show you how to clean your child’s teeth, discuss diet and fluoride needs and recommend age-appropriate products, which are similar to well-care visits with the pediatrician.
Having a check-up at an early age also connects you to a dental home. Learn more about a dental home.
If your child is a toddler, a dentist will examine the teeth and gums, looking for decay and other issues. Along with having the teeth and gums examined, the dentist or dental hygienist will clean the teeth and make any necessary radiographs.
Important ways a dentist can prevent cavities includes fluoride varnish treatments and dental sealants (a protective coating that protect the chewing cheek, tongue, and surfaces of the teeth).
