A child’s first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable. Children are not born with a natural fear of the dentist, but they can develop a fear of the unknown.
Our office makes a special effort to use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment and ensure that your child’s experience with a pediatric dentist in North Bellmore or Manhasset, NY, sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child’s first teeth (usually erupting between six and 12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
These visits are usually simple and straightforward and primarily intended to help parents and caregivers understand how to protect a toddler’s developing teeth. We’ll show you the best ways to keep your little one’s teeth clean and address issues like sore gums during teething. It also helps your child become familiar with the dental office environment early, before they require more complex treatments, to build positive associations and help prevent dental phobias later in life.
In most cases, your child’s first primary or baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of six and 12 months and will continue to erupt until about age three.
However, each child is different, so don’t worry if their teeth seem to be coming in a little early or a little late. If you’re concerned about a baby’s teeth not erupting as expected, our team is always happy to take a look.
Teething can cause your child’s gums to feel tender and sore. To help relieve teething discomfort, we recommend gently rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across the gums.
You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. Do not use any numbing products for teething, as these can be dangerous to your baby’s health.
When your child has finished teething, you can expect a total of 20 primary teeth to erupt. Your child will lose their baby teeth at various times throughout childhood.
Permanent teeth usually begin erupting at age six, with their last baby teeth falling out around age 12. However, the wisdom teeth may erupt as late as young adulthood and may need to be removed. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (32, including wisdom teeth).
Try to make it a habit to clean your baby’s mouth every day with a soft, damp washcloth and start brushing their teeth as soon as they appear. Your child should continue to receive daily help brushing their teeth until they can tie their own shoes.
It’s ideal if you can continue to check their teeth for lines and discoloration at least once a week or every other week for as long as possible. Just like adults, children should get regular dental cleanings at least twice per year to keep their teeth healthy.
Cavities are the most common chronic childhood illness in the United States, and can lead to pain, infections, missed school, nutritional difficulties, and emotional distress for both children and parents. Building good oral health habits from early childhood is the best way to prevent unnecessary pain and health risks associated with dental problems.
Our team at BeDental is here to help everyone in your family enjoy the comfort and confidence that comes with excellent oral health. If you’re looking for a gentle pediatric dentist in North Bellmore or Manhasset, NY, we’re here for you. We’re proud to provide flexible financing options to ensure that exceptional care fits your family budget so you can always give your child the best possible care.
