According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 50% of children have cavities in their primary or permanent teeth by age nine. Oral disease can cause infections, which can lead to speaking, learning, or eating issues. It also affects academic achievement, social interactions, and job potential. 

Early childhood dentistry can set your child up for success. By improving their oral health, you can benefit their general health and well-being.

When should you take your child in for a pediatric dental exam, and what can you expect? Read on to learn more before their first dentist appointment!

When to Schedule the First Dentist Appointment

According to Stanford Medicine, you should take your child in for their first dentist appointment within six months of their first tooth erupting. At the latest, they should see a pediatric dentist before their first birthday.

This initial appointment can help young children grow comfortable receiving pediatric dental care. During a dental checkup for children, the dentist may review topics like:

• Pacifier habits
• Infant feeding practices
• Baby bottle tooth decay
• Mouth cleaning
• Teething
• Finger-sucking habits

Before the Appointment

Consider scheduling your child's first dental checkup early in the morning. You may have an easier time when your child is fresh or alert. They may be cranky if the appointment is right before naptime.

Prepare yourself before your child's first dentist appointment by:

• Preparing a list of questions and concerns
• Bringing your child's favorite toy
• Having documents about your child's medical history
• Playing music your child loves in the car
• Finding a great pediatric dentist

In one study, the prevalence of dental anxiety was 22.68% among children ages 6 to 12. Dental anxiety scores decreased with age. However, 50% of people surveyed said they acquired their dental anxiety during childhood.

If you have dental anxiety, your child may pick up on it and mimic your behavior. This could make the appointment more difficult for you, your child, and their dentist. Try to give your child moral support by remaining calm before and during the appointment.

The Benefits of Early Childhood Dentistry

Visiting a pediatric dentist while your child is young can help ease their dental anxiety. It can also benefit their oral health into adulthood. Here are a few benefits of early childhood dentistry to consider. 

Kid-Friendly Environments

Some dental practices can look cold and sterile. Your child may not feel comfortable in such an environment. They may even associate visiting the dentist with negative or scary memories.

Instead, choose a pediatric dentist who offers treatment in a kid-friendly environment. The bright colors, playful patterns, and toys can help your child feel calm before their appointment.

Helping your child relax before their dental checkup can make the appointment easier for everyone. Your child may even start looking forward to upcoming visits.

Experienced Staff

Pediatric dentists and hygienists know how to speak to and act around children. They're more likely to keep your child calm and comfortable during their checkup.

Some general dentists don't know how to interact with children. They may lack experience and expertise in pediatric dentistry.

Choose a pediatric dentist with years of hands-on experience treating young children. You'll have peace of mind knowing they're qualified. 

An experienced pediatric dentist will know how to make dental care fun. They can teach your child the importance of brushing and flossing, which can lead them to develop healthy habits at home. 

Preventative Dentistry

A pediatric dentist will prioritize preventative dentistry. They'll help your child learn how to keep cavities from forming. Preventative treatments can include fluoride and sealants.

Reducing your child's risk of developing cavities will save you money later. You'll protect your child's oral and overall health. Your child will carry these healthy habits into adulthood, benefiting their health long-term. 

What to Expect From Pediatric Dental Care

Your child's first dentist appointment will last between 30 and 45 minutes. Here's what to expect from a dental checkup for children. 

Introductions

Your child's first appointment gives them the chance to grow familiar with the dentist and dental office. The dentist will introduce themselves and explain what a dental checkup for children entails. Walking your child through the process can ease any dental anxiety they may have.

A Dental Checkup for Children

During the exam, the dentist will assess your child's mouth, gums, and teeth. They'll determine if your child's teeth are developing properly.

They'll make note of any abnormalities or concerns. This process won't hurt. 

Cleanings

Your dentist may recommend a teeth cleaning during your child's first appointment. This involves polishing their teeth to remove plaque, tartar, or stains. 

The dentist can show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth. They'll explain that brushing removes germs and protects your child's teeth from decay.

Saliva, food particles, and bacteria can mix together, forming plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that can cover our teeth. When left unattended, it can harden and release acid.

Professional teeth cleanings can remove plaque before it hardens, reducing your child's risk of decay. 

Schedule a dental exam and cleaning for your child every six months. Regular appointments will ensure the dentist spots early signs of decay. You can take immediate action to protect your child's oral health. 

Findings

After the exam, the dentist will review their findings. They'll make personalized recommendations based on your child's needs.

At the end of the appointment, ask questions about your child's oral health. Tips for improving the oral health of kids include:

• Clean their gums with a damp cloth before their teeth erupt
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush when their first tooth appears
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Limit the time your child has a bottle
• Help your child brush by age 7 or 8
• Limit sugary foods that increase the risk of tooth decay

Schedule Your Child's Pediatric Dental Exam

To recap, when should you schedule your child's first pediatric dental exam? Visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts or when they turn one. Visiting the dentist early will ease their anxiety.

Look no further for pediatric dental care than South Jersey Pediatric Dental. Our state-of-the-art practice is designed with children in mind. 



Our warm and friendly dentists are dedicated to improving your child's oral health. Contact us now to schedule their appointment.