Early dental visits help children become familiar with their dentist and the oral health experience. Plus, it prevents instilling a fear of the dentist when the first appointment isn’t one that’s linked with a dental emergency or painful toothache. Instead, it’s more relaxed and preventive in nature.

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Exam?

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists all recommend that children get their initial dental checkup around their first birthday, or by the time their first teeth start to erupt. Ongoing exams allow your child’s dentist to carefully monitor their oral development and screen for problems before they become complex treatment needs later on.

In the majority of cases, children, like adults, benefit from a cleaning and checkup every six months.

Helping Your Child Care for Their Teeth

Until your son or daughter has good enough dexterity to tie their own shoes without help, you should still be assisting them with toothbrushing and flossing. It’s ok to allow them to try on their own at first, but be sure to go back behind them and clean areas that might have been missed.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be reserved for children who can rinse well on their own. Otherwise they might accidentally swallow it and get a bit of a stomachache. When used properly, fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel and strengthen areas that may initially be trying to develop decay.

What About X-rays? Are They Safe?

Dental x-rays are extremely safe for children. Thanks to digital technology, the radiation levels are very low. The images we capture with oral radiographs allow us to monitor oral development and screen for infections that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Is your son or daughter due for a dental cleaning and exam? Call Steven P. Ellinwood, DDS PC in Fort Wayne to schedule today!