When to Take Baby to the Dentist: Children’s Dental Care Explored
When baby takes her first steps, says her first word, and gets her first tooth, it is cause for celebration and much excitement. Many parents wonder when they should first take their baby to the dentist, because that first tooth (and all the others that will follow on soon behind) need to be looked after.
You should bring baby to the dentist as soon as her first teeth appear. Numerous studies have shown that taking a child for a check-up from a young age can help to ensure that they avoid dental phobia later in life. By making early experiences of dental visits positive and routine, you can help your child to see the dentist as a friendly face whom they enjoy showing off their teeth to every six months.
Liverpool Smile Studio offers a full range of family dental services. An experienced children’s dentist will ensure that your child feels safe and secure at all times, and will make sure their check-ups are a fun, positive experience.
In the earliest years the principal purpose of bringing your child to the dentist is to familiarise them with the practice environment and processes, as well as spotting any early warning signs of conditions such as tooth decay, which is still unacceptably high among UK children and can lead to a lot of unnecessary pain and distress if not treated promptly.
It can often be helpful to bring a baby or toddler along to your own dental check-up, or to an appointment with older siblings, so that they can observe what happens then copy what they saw Dad, Mum, or their big brother doing.
Prevention is always better than cure, and this is certainly true when it comes to taking care of children’s teeth. Fissure sealants and fluoride varnishes can be used to strengthen the teeth and help to protect them from decay.
If decay is spotted, it can be treated early and with minimum fuss. A dental hygienist can also help your child to learn how to brush their teeth properly, with information presented in a fun, engaging manner.
The dentist will also look out for any early warning signs of potential orthodontic issues, making them easier to treat.
