When Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?

Posted on October 19, 2023

There’s some debate over when you should take your child to see a dentist for kids. Some parents claim a child should head to the dentist when they develop their first tooth, while others say a baby doesn’t need to see the dentist until they hit school age. Here’s everything you need to know about when to take your little one to a dentist for kids.

After Their First Tooth

Having an established pediatric dentist for your child when they’re young is a great idea. It’s recommended to take your child to a pediatric dentist within six months of getting their first tooth. A dentist will help you care for your little one’s teeth and gums. They can also provide excellent advice, such as why your baby shouldn’t sleep with a bottle and how to brush or wipe their teeth.

Avoid Waiting to Schedule

Many parents find it unnecessary for a child to see a dentist when they only have one tooth. Because of that, we see parents waiting until their baby has all their teeth. However, tooth decay can happen when a baby only has a few teeth. According to Colgate, one in five children ages five to 11 has one untreated tooth that has a cavity. It’s best to visit a dentist for kids to take preventative measures.

If They Experience Trauma

You should always take a child to the dentist when they experience dental trauma. For example, a child may trip and fall at daycare. This can push the teeth into the gums and may require medical intervention. If your little one gets a chipped tooth, a professional can perform bonding procedures to ensure your little one’s tooth is protected until it’s ready to come out naturally.

When You Have Concerns

Any time you are concerned about your child’s dental health, it’s essential to contact a pediatric dentist. They can thoroughly determine if anything is wrong with your child’s teeth that may require treatment. If your child needs treatment from a specialist, a dentist for kids can make a referral. Likewise, your child’s dentist can let you know if there’s nothing to worry about, so you have peace of mind.

As Soon As Possible

While most children should see a dentist earlier in their life, if you didn’t take your child to see a dentist because you weren’t aware that it’s recommended to take them when they have their first tooth, we suggest bringing in your child as soon as possible. This is to make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy.

Establishing proper oral care routines at an early age lays the foundation for kids to have healthy teeth as they grow up. If you’re looking for a dentist for kids for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Jacaranda Smiles today!