How Old Should Kids Be for Their First Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Dental care is important at every stage of life and regular visits to the dentist should be established from an early age. Regular dentist appointments for children help to establish healthy habits that they will continue as they grow older. With proper care and treatment, children can avoid problems that stem from poor oral health in the future.
If you have young children, you may be wondering when is the right age for scheduling a dental cleaning appointment for them. In this blog post, we will provide this information as well as what to expect during a first visit to the dentist for your child.
How Old Should Kids Be For a Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Your child should begin visiting a dentist beginning from the eruption of their first tooth. The exact time will depend on each individual child, though by the time they are 1 year old they should have commenced dental visits. It is advised that regular dental visits be maintained, ideally every 6 months for cleanings.
Visits at this age will help to ensure that your child’s smile is developing properly. It will also check that there are no issues, such as baby bottle tooth decay, for instance. This visit may also include an inspection of gums, bite, and present teeth.
What to Expect At a First Dental Cleaning?
Once your child’s teeth start to come in, dental cleanings are important to maintain dental health. During a cleaning, a dentist will use specialized instruments to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up. Many dentists like to perform a quick refresher course in how to properly brush and floss their teeth.
Your child may be somewhat uncertain of this new process, so it is worth taking some time to clearly explain what will happen and the reason for the visit. Children can be fearful of unknown places and situations, so be sure to let them know what is going to happen so they can relax.
During these appointments, a dentist will continue to monitor your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and any issues that are present. Even though children will lose their baby teeth, they play an important role and it is important to ensure that they remain healthy.
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The Best Time for a Dental Cleaning Appointment
As soon as your child has developed their first baby tooth, it is important to schedule a dental cleaning appointment. These appointments should be maintained every 6 months for cleanings. These early visits will help your child to form lifelong habits that are important in ensuring that their dental hygiene remains good for their whole life.
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