Maintaining consistent dental care habits is foundational to a child’s long-term oral health. Committing to a strong routine early makes it far easier to ensure a lifetime of bright, beautiful smiles.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
To many parents, a child’s first birthday seems early for a dental visit. However, scheduling your child’s first dental checkup can make a huge difference. Visiting the dentist early on presents a vital opportunity for your dentist to assess a baby’s gums and the development of their teeth and jawbone. Additionally, this is a great chance for you to discuss the teething process and issues like pacifier use and thumb-sucking.
When Should Kids Regularly See a Dentist?
After this first visit, barring any emergencies, parents should schedule regular dental visits every 6 months to ensure proper development.
According to the American Dental Association, children are susceptible to cavities as soon as they’ve got teeth. At least one in three children between 2 and 5 years of age gets cavities in their baby teeth. Not only can these be quite painful, but they can also hinder proper biting, chewing, and speaking.
Scheduling regular dental appointments for your child helps ensure they receive the preventive, developmental care they need to avoid early cavities. They also help to establish a positive relationship between your child and their dentist. These visits are another opportunity to check in with your children’s dentist in Knoxville with updates regarding at-home care routines, dietary habits, and thumb-sucking.
Another Vital Stage for Dental Development
By about age 7, when a child’s molars start to erupt, further evaluation of their gums, jawbone, and teeth is crucial. It’s also at this point that your dentist will perform orthodontic exams to assess bite alignment and integrity and recommend corrective treatment if necessary.
A Caring Children's Dentist in Knoxville, TN
If you’re in Knoxville and want an experienced dental team to compassionately guide your child through the stages of early dental development, contact Dr. Dyron Holt and the Dental Co. of Knoxville team to schedule an appointment.