Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide top-notch pediatric services for for your children.
Start early, and keep their smiles happy and healthy for many years to come by making sure that you follow-up on their dental health needs.
The First Year:
Within the first year there are some important milestones to take note of.
–The First Visit:
While it will vary case-by-case, dental professionals recommend that you take your child to the dentist no later than your child’s first birthday or at least six months after the first tooth erupts (breaks through the gum).
In this time it is recommended that you use a clean, damp cloth to clean your infant’s gums to reduce the amount of bacteria left in their mouths.
Keep in mind that the first visit is an opportunity for the dentist to make sure that new teeth and gums are healthy, but also to detect any potential problems or points of concern. The earlier a problem is detected, the more likely it is that preventative measures will be effective.
The Second Year:
By the time that your child reaches 2 years of age, they should be seeing a dentist about every six months.
It is possible that your child will have all of their primary teeth (also called “baby teeth” or “milk teeth”) will have erupted. However, if it takes several more months of even a year longer for all twenty teeth to come in, there is likely no cause for concern.
Ages 3-6:
By the age of three, your child should consistently be seeing a dentist, and they should be following a regular dental hygiene routine (brushing, flossing, rinsing etc). Under the direction of your dentist, you could introduce flouride products to help prevent cavities and decay. However, it isn’t recommended that you introduce them to mouthwash as it may be difficult for toddlers to use it correctly.
Ages 7+:
By age seven, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that your child visit and orthodontist to detect any structural abnormalities that may need correction.
Why It Matters:
Starting your kids early with good dental hygiene practices can help to prevent pain, discomfort, disease, and other related health problems. It can also help to teach children about the value of nutrition and balanced diets. Good dental health means good overall health.
Schedule an appointment today to get started on your child’s path to great dental health! (801) 737-5437