When should your child first visit the dentist? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), parents should take children to the dentist before their first birthday to ensure the health of their baby teeth and gums. Seeing a dentist regularly while they’re still young teaches kids the importance of oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, which prevent cavities and other problems from developing as they grow.
“Starting your child off with good dental care can help protect their teeth for decades to come,” the ADA says. “A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth. Those baby teeth that begin coming through the gums around 6 months help set the stage for future smiles by keeping space in the jaw for adult teeth.”
Delaying your child’s first visit to the dentist, on the other hand, means that problems with teeth could go unnoticed and potentially get worse, costing you more in the long run when your child needs a filling or other restorative treatment. Routine cleanings and examinations of your child’s teeth and gums can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Children who don’t go to the dentist until they’re older also are more likely to develop dental visit jitters. By taking your kids to the dentist while they’re still young, you can help them feel more comfortable during their visits.
At Cornerstone Dental, we strive to make dental care as easy and enjoyable as possible for children and their parents. Our children’s dentistry services include cleanings, fluoride treatments, restorative care and emergency care.
Are You Searching For An Experienced Dentist In The Martinsburg Area For Your Children?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist to help protect your children’s dental and oral health please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
