When it comes to caring for your child’s oral health, itcan be difficult as a parent to know when it’s the right time for them to see adentist for infants in McKinney. Do you schedule an appointment the moment thefirst tooth erupts through the gums or wait until all their primary teeth haveemerged? In order to put your child on the path to optimal oral and overallhealth, find out when that first dental appointment should occur and what youcan expect.

When Should My Child Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage believe in the philosophy ofestablishing a dental home and lifetime of care. The recommended timeframe foryour child’s first dental visit should be when their first tooth comes in, orby the time they turn 12 months old. While you might be enjoying that sweet,gummy smile, the moment that initial tooth erupts, it’s important that you takethe necessary steps to begin caring for it the right way. Your pediatricdentist in McKinney can help you with what tools to use and how to use themduring your first appointment.

What Should We Expect?

The first visit is important because it allows your child’sdentist to form a good relationship with your little one. By introducing themto the sights, sounds, and faces of the dentist’s office, this will help to createa positive experience for your child and reduce any feelings of fear oranxiety.

During this same visit, you can expect the dentist toperform a gentle and quick exam and cleaning before discussing how best to takecare of your baby’s smile. Not only will it be important for you to clean theirmouth with a wet washcloth after each feeding, but you will also need to use asmall, wet toothbrush to clean their teeth as they begin to come in.

To prevent tooth decay in young children, it is advised thatyou avoid letting your baby sleep with a bottle unless it is filled with water.

Don’t be surprised if you receive other helpful tips orsuggestions regarding various treatments your child’s dentist can provide toprotect their teeth from decay and disease, such as:

• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatments, whichare designed to treat existing dental caries (cavities)
• How to effectively help your baby as he or sheis teething (i.e. avoiding teething crackers or treats because of the excesssugar content, gently massaging their gums with a clean finger)
• Ways to break negative habits such as thumbsucking or pacifier use

Your child’s oral and overall health should start out on theright foot, which is why it’s important you start scheduling their dentistappointments at an early age. By allowing your child’s dentist to carefullywatch the growth and development of their teeth as they age, you can ensurethey’ll have healthy teeth and gums as they transition into adulthood.

About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan has been a practicing pediatric dentist since 2012. Earning his dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry, he remains passionate about caring for and helping children of all ages grow and develop smiles that will last a lifetime. Patients who visit Sprout Dentistry for Kids will not only meet Dr. Justin but also Dr. Sage Yoo, a fellow pediatric dentist at the practice. After studying electrical engineering at Purdue University, Dr. Sage went on to earn his doctorate and complete his residency in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Both he and Dr. Justin offer a variety of comprehensive services to care for the dental needs of all patients who come through their doors. To learn more about our services, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.