When Should Your Baby Come In For their First Dental Appointment?

Your baby’s first dental appointment can be a time of excitement. After all, your little one is growing! The eruption of the first teeth means that your baby is getting bigger and turning into a toddler. If you have a little one at home, it’s natural to wonder when you should bring your baby in for their first dental appointment.

Knowing when to schedule the appointment can help you take care of your child’s teeth, and can help set your child up for good oral hygiene into their later childhood and adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s first dental cleaning in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek OH.

When should my baby come in for their first dental appointment?

Bring your baby in for their first dental appointment when they turn one year old, or when their teeth first erupt from the gums – whichever comes first. Your baby doesn’t need to have a lot of teeth to see the dentist. In fact, it’s best to bring your baby to the dentist before their teeth have had a chance to develop cavities, plaque or tartar.

What can I expect during my baby’s first dental appointment?

During your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums. They’ll show you how to brush your child’s teeth, and answer any questions you might have about your child’s dental hygiene. Your child’s dentist may also recommend some products (infant-safe toothpaste, for example) that you can find at your local pharmacy that will help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What’s the benefit of dental care if my child only has a few teeth?

Even babies can develop cavities. Taking your child to the dentist as soon as they start showing teeth will help your baby avoid dental hygiene problems. In addition, seeing the dentist early can help your dentist catch problems with your child’s tooth alignment in their early stages.

Contact us to make an appointment.

Want to make an appointment with the dentist in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek, OH? Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. We’d love to meet your baby and help them on the path to good oral hygiene!