Everyone knows that taking regular visits to the dentist is crucial to maintaining your oral health, what’s the right age for a parent to get their children’s teeth checked for the first time? Many parents have the common misconception that a dental visit is only in order once their kid experiences their early tooth fall. 

You’d be surprised how early it is then you may think. Dental research says that parents should take their children for a dental visit as soon as their first birthday, or at least six months after the first, baby teeth pop out, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. 

What to Expect in Your Child’s First Dental Visit 

The first dental visit should take place within six months of the first tooth erupting or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. If all is well, the visit is typically short and provides the little-to-no treatment. Instead, the first visit is about letting your child familiarize themselves with your dentist to ease their future worries about dental appointments. 

As for the exam, the dentist will likely check your child’s existing teeth for any signs of decay. This includes examining their bite and identifying potential issues with their gums, jaw, or oral tissues. Nipping any problems at its bud is the best way to prevent children from developing chronic problems with their oral health. 

Other topics the dentist can brush on the first dental visit includes the following:

• Baby bottle tooth decay
• Infant feeding practices
• Mouth cleaning
• Teething
• Pacifier habits
• Finger-sucking habits 

What are the Tell-Tale Signs of Dental Problems in Young Children?

When your child is experiencing dental issues, what they can’t express in words can show through the changes in their behavior. Babies and toddlers alike may refuse to eat their favorite food as a common sign of toothache. 

Other changes in habits like excessive thumb sucking, lip sucking, tongue thrusting, or even variations in the color on the tooth or around the gums are red flags that your baby is having dental problems. When a kid is griping incessantly, you need to take your child to a dentist immediately as it is a sign of pain in the mouth. 

The Bottom Line: What’s the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a Regular Dentist For Your Child?

As your child is still growing, some oral issues may need more than the conventional treatments you know with a regular dentist. With that in mind, children are often recommended to visit a pediatric dentist since they have two extra layers of training. 

This means that beyond completing medical school, they also have additional knowledge regarding the analysis, management, and treatment of a child’s soft, developing teeth. Keep in mind that dentists can provide for your child’s dentistry needs with quality service, even though a pediatric dentist is specifically geared to cater to your kid’s unique needs.

If you are looking for a local dentist in Charlotte, NC, to help you whiten your teeth, search through our directory today!