When Should I Start Taking My Child To The Dentist?

If you’re a new parent, dentistry may be the last thing on your mind. But even for infants and toddlers, proper dental care is important. Wondering when your child should see a dentist for the first time in Chicago? Find out in this blog from Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry.

Kids Should Start Seeing a Dentist Around Their First Birthday

The standard recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is that kids see the dentist when their first tooth comes out, or when they turn one year old. That’s our recommendation at Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry, too. 

Why should your child see the dentist so early? There are a few reasons. First, you can learn more about how to care for their mouth and make sure you’re protecting them against cavities and other issues.

Seeing the dentist regularly from an early age also helps your child develop a relationship with the dentist, and cultivates a healthy attitude toward dental care. This can reduce the risk of your child developing dental anxiety in the future.

Finally, choosing a “dental home” like Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry lets your child’s dentist become familiar with their own unique oral health challenges, identify oral development issues, and ensure you’re fully informed about their oral health. 

Oral Health Tips for Infants and Toddlers – What You Need to Know 

Got questions about keeping your child’s mouth healthy? Here are a few quick oral health tips! 

• Sippy cups vs. bottles – You should switch your child from bottles to sippy cups as soon as you can. Continuing to use baby bottles after the age of 3 can contribute to bite issues and other oral health problems. Sippy cups promote a healthier swallow and better overall oral health.
• ‍Caring for teeth between dental visits – Brush your child’s teeth with a soft baby toothbrush at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste, and put a smear about the size of a grain of rice on the toothpaste. When your child knows how to spit on command and won’t swallow the toothpaste, you can use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste.‍
• Gum care – Gently brush your child’s gums with a toothbrush during every cleaning. If your child doesn’t yet have any teeth, you can wipe them down with a clean cloth. ‍
• Teething – Most kids get their first tooth before they’re 1 year old, and get all their baby teeth before the age of 3. However, every child is different!
  

Remember, Dr. Shah can provide you with more information about all of these topics and more at your little one’s first appointment, so contact us now to get started!

Ready for Your Child’s First Dental Visit? Come to Milktooth Pediatric Dentistry Today! 

Whether your little one has just reached their first birthday or you have an older child who has not yet seen the dentist, Dr. Amy Shah is here to help in Noble Square, Ukrainian Village, and West Town. 

As an expert pediatric dentist, Dr. Shah will take great care of your little one, and make sure their mouth is healthy and their teeth are strong. Contact us online or give us a call at (773) 904-0095 to get started now.