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How Often Should Children See a Pediatric Dentist?

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 9-04-2024

From the time that their first tooth emerges, your pediatric dentist is there for your child. They monitor the development of their teeth, keep an eye out for potential orthodontic problems, and educate them on the importance of a lifetime of oral health. The entire dental team is a fixture of compassion and warmth, helping your child feel comfortable and at ease every time they visit us. However, how often should they visit their pediatric dentist?

Their First Dental Appointment

Your child should have their first dental appointment when their first tooth appears or when they have their first birthday, whichever comes first. Their first tooth usually appears around six months, although it sometimes takes longer. Regardless, your child should have been to see their pediatric dentist at Milltown Dental by the time they’re one year old. During their first dental exam, the pediatric dentist will check your child’s oral hygiene and clean their tooth. In the process, they also introduce your child to the experience of visiting the dentist. It’s important to remember that as soon as their first tooth appears, it’s susceptible to decay. This means that you’re responsible for your child’s baby teeth long before they’re able to attend to their own oral hygiene. Brush their teeth (or tooth) twice a day, just as you do your own. Additionally, your baby shouldn’t be drinking sugary beverages or falling asleep with the bottle. This promotes the development of tooth decay.

Regular Appointments Throughout Childhood

Adults and children alike should see their dentist once every six months for routine checkups and professional cleanings. This biannual schedule starts as soon as your child’s first tooth has emerged. If you notice anything unusual about your child’s developing mouth (or if they experience an accident), contact your pediatric dentist in Milton immediately. However, your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend more frequent appointments after considering certain factors. For example, a heightened risk of dental cavities and a history of numerous cavities may mean your child needs to see their dentist more often. Also, some childhood health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes) require more frequent dental appointments. Children deemed high risk for cavities may need to visit Milltown Dental as often as four times per year. A regular dental visit involves a thorough cleaning and a complete oral health exam. The pediatric dentist examines your child’s teeth and jaw for any developing issues (like cavities or gum disease) and monitors the development of their mouth. During professional cleaning, any plaque and tartar are removed, which helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health conditions.

Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

What is the purpose of dental checkups?

Dental checkups have several purposes. First and foremost, it catches developing issues early before they become big problems. Early detection is key for effective, efficient, and successful treatment of a wide variety of oral health conditions. These checkups are also crucial for monitoring the ongoing development of your child’s teeth, gums, and bones. Your pediatric dentist keeps meticulous records of your child’s continuing health and jaw development. After all, your child’s mouth changes a lot in a very short period of time, so it’s very important to make sure everything is progressing as it should. For instance, orthodontic issues can be identified early, and treatment can be administered before any misalignment becomes severe. In addition, taking your child to the dentist regularly helps normalize the experience. They’ll feel more comfortable visiting the clinic and getting into the big dentist’s chair. In the long term, this reduces feelings of anxiety, fear, and discomfort that could keep your child from sticking to a regular appointment schedule later in life. Fortunately, the compassionate team at Milltown Dental is dedicated to making sure that your child feels as comfortable as possible whenever they visit us! Lastly, your pediatric dentist uses these early appointments as an opportunity to educate your child on the importance of good oral care. They also help teach your child (and parents) the best ways to take care of their developing smile. These habits are vital for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Are checkups necessary if my child has healthy teeth?

Your child’s oral health can change very quickly. Misalignment, tooth decay, and other issues can develop rapidly over a six-month period. It’s important to stay on top of your child’s oral health at all times, and that involves regular checkups at your Milton dentist. These appointments also involve thorough dental cleanings, which eradicate plaque and tartar buildup in often hard-to-reach places. Even a rigorous at-home oral hygiene routine can miss these spots! If not removed, however, they can lead to tooth decay. The pediatric dentist at Milltown Dental monitors your child’s fluoride levels during these appointments. They determine if your child needs at-home fluoride supplements or a topical fluoride gel. Fluoride plays an important role in the oral health of your child.

How important is it to care for my child’s baby teeth?

Your child’s baby teeth are going to fall out eventually; however, it’s still very important to take care of them. Issues with their primary teeth can affect the development and emergence of their adult teeth.

What if my child has recurring oral health issues?

If your child has recurring oral health issues, they’ll be asked to visit us more often. Children experiencing persistent dental hygiene issues, such as cavities or inflammation, should visit their pediatric dentist every three months.

Should my child receive dental X-rays during each visit?

Dental X-rays are perfectly safe and an important tool for diagnosing hard-to-see cavities. In fact, tiny cavities on your child’s baby teeth can only be found using X-rays! No matter how good your pediatric dentist’s eyesight, visual inspections are not enough for ensuring oral health. Typically, dental x-rays are taken once per year, so every second visit.

Milltown Dental: Home of Milton’s Leading Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists play a vital role in the healthy development of your child’s smile. That’s why at Milltown Dental, we pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of pediatric dentistry and a welcoming environment for our littlest patients. Our compassionate team of dental professionals strives to ensure that every member of your family has a positive experience at our clinic. If you have any questions about your child's oral health care, please contact us. Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Milton, Ontario? To learn more about our exceptional services, call Milltown Dental at (833) 318-3281 or contact us here.

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