When To Schedule Child’s First Family Dentist Check-Up

A check-up from a family dentist is a great way to ensure good oral health and prevent concerns from developing. However, children can also benefit from regular dental check-ups, and it is important for parents to understand when it might be time for their child to visit the family dentist for their very first visit. 

A child’s first family dentist check-up

The purpose of a dental check-up for young children is to ensure their teeth are able to develop correctly, teach parents and children how to properly care for teeth at home and develop healthy habits of visiting the family dentist at an early age to minimize dental anxiety. Timing the first family dentist check-up is important for parents to consider. 

When the child develops teeth

It may seem early, but it is encouraged for parents to schedule their child’s first family dentist check-up when the teeth first emerge. Primary teeth typically breakthrough between six months to a year of age. Although children are still very young at this point, taking them to the family dentist gives the dentist a chance to ensure that the teeth are coming through properly. They can also provide the parent with insights on what to expect as their child starts to develop teeth and how to care for them. The first visit is easy and non-invasive for both the parent and the child. 

When the child is one year old

If the child has not had teeth come through by their first birthday, then a visit to the family dentist for a check-up is encouraged. This allows the dentist to ensure there are no notable concerns for the delayed development, along with getting parents and the child used to coming in for a check-up. Oftentimes, teeth that emerge later are not a concern, but there are times when there may be a reason for teeth still not emerging until after the child turns a year old. 

What to expect during the check-up visit

The dental check-up for children is different than one for adults, although many of the same steps are involved. The family dentist will likely conduct an oral examination and order dental X-rays to get a sense of the child’s teeth development. They will also answer any questions the parent has and provide them with information on good oral care practices that can be implemented in their child to teach good habits at a young age.

Children (as well as parents) may have some anxiety before the first check-up visit, and parents can deal with these concerns by scheduling the appointment at a convenient time, ensuring they give themselves enough time so they do not rush around and keeping a good attitude before the visit. 

Consult with a family dentist today

To learn more about a child's first visit to a family dentist, reach out today. Any outstanding questions or concerns can be addressed!

Request an appointment here: https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com or call Lasting Impressions Dental Group at (832) 784-8212 for an appointment in our Houston office.

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