How Often Does My Child Need To See A Dentist?

Most parents have a lot of questions about how to protect their child’s oral health.

But when it comes to dental visits, the most common one is how often you are supposed to take your child to see a dentist.

Find out the answer and more in this short blog post! 

When Should You First Bring Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist?

Experts recommend taking your child for their first dental appointment as soon as their first baby tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday.

Of course, there are moments when you might need a dental appointment much sooner than that. For instance, if you notice your child has trouble eating and might be lip- or tongue-tied, a pediatric dentist can perform a simple frenectomy.

Taking your infant to see a dentist can also help you learn lots of useful ways to care for the baby’s gums and how to clean them after every feeding.

How Often Is Your Child Supposed to See a Dentist?

Like adults, children should see the dentist every six months for preventative oral appointments.

These routine sessions can have many benefits:

• Lower risks for cavities and gum disease: Preventive care protects the child’s long-term oral health. Through exams and professional cleanings, the child is less likely to develop oral health issues like cavities.

• Avoiding dental anxiety: These visits are often short and pain-free and teach the child they have nothing to fear when it comes to caring for their oral health;

• Closely monitoring oral development: Through frequent appointments, a pediatric dentist will monitor the child’s oral development and spot issues before they cause a lot of trouble. They may notice small cavities, tooth alignment issues, or even jaw issues when they’re still minor and require much simpler treatments.

• Parent education: These visits can be just as much about the parents as they are about the kids! You can get answers to all your burning questions and learn news on how to care for your child’s teeth, such as how to teach them to brush their teeth properly.

Apart from that, you should also see a pediatric dentist any time you’re worried about your child’s oral health.

Whether it’s a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or a persistent problem like bad breath, you should always feel comfortable asking your pediatric dentist for help! 

Bring Your Child to Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Our San Diego pediatric dentist Dr. Wendy Yang is a board-certified pediatric dentist who helps kids in the San Diego area develop healthy and happy smiles.

No matter if your child needs a routine appointment or is dealing with a specific oral health issue that needs addressing, Dr. Yang is ready to help.

Schedule a consultation at Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry online and stop by to learn more.

Have more questions about our services? Call us at (858) 888-9298 for a short chat!