This is a very informative article for people with children who are wondering when the appropriate time to introduce them to the dentist is. There may be a difference of opinion when you ask your own personal family dentist, but this is still good information.
As soon as that first tooth sprouts, many parents find themselves in a dental dilemma as to when is the right time for their child to see a dentist. Is it after their first tooth sprouts — or can you wait until they have a mouthful of pearly whites at age 2 or 3?
We spoke with dental experts to get the tooth truth!
Many parents think it is a waste of time to take their baby to see the dentist after that first tooth sprouts — after all, how much trouble could one little tooth get into? Is it a good idea to wait until your child is older before he sees a dentist for the first time? We spoke to the experts to get the scoop.
When should your child really first see a dentist?
We went straight to the experts and spoke with Dr. Warren Brill, who is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) president and national spokesperson.
“In order to prevent dental problems, children should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday,” says Dr. Brill. “The earlier the visit, the better. It is important to establish a dental home to ensure that the child’s oral health care is delivered in a comprehensive and ongoing manner by a pediatric dentist. “
Not all dentists, however, think it is necessary to see a dentist that soon. Dr. Adam R. Salm of Madison Dental Spa says that kids can first go see a dentist at 2 years of age, instead of when that first tooth erupts.
“Usually all baby teeth are in by 2 years old, which is a standard time to first go for a dental exam,” Dr. Salm says.
However, Dr. William R. Cherry III of Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry in Wilmington, North Carolina, says he thinks it is important to see a dentist as soon as that first tooth erupts, as this first visit provides vital educational tips for parents.
"At this visit, we look at the soft tissues and the teeth that are there and will place fluoride on the teeth, but the main purpose of the visit is anticipatory guidance,” Dr. Cherry says. “There are many parents that do not know — or do not realize — that some of their practices at home may not be very good for their children's teeth, and we like to help them with this. This can include not putting your child to bed with a bottle and not realizing that milk has a good amount of sugar present in it. Once the teeth are brushed at night, one should not have anything to eat or drink other than water."
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