When Should My Child See the Dentist For the First Time?

Your baby’s perfect teeth need help to stay healthy. If your baby doesn’t see the dentist regularly or get their teeth cleaned at home, they could be vulnerable to cavities and other problems. The dentist in Newport, TN, can help by providing good dental care for your child. Below, we’ll go over the basic things that parents need to know to take care of their child’s teeth.

When Should My Baby First See the Dentist?

Babies need to see the dentist by the time they turn one. Plan to bring your child to the dentist for the first time by the time they reach this important milestone.

When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?

Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first one appears. Babies have special toothbrushes that are specially designed to fit in their mouths. When choosing a toothbrush for your child, check the age range on the package to be sure the toothbrush is right for your child. Use age-appropriate toothpaste, as well.

Can Babies Get Cavities?

Babies can get cavities. To help prevent your child from getting cavities, bring them to the dentist by their first birthday, and avoid giving them formula at bedtime.

What If My Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth By the Time They Turn One?

If your child doesn’t have teeth by the time they turn one, bring them for their first pediatric dental exam in Newport, TN, anyway! Your child’s dentist can check to see if there’s a reason for concern.

How Can I Keep My Child from Getting Cavities?

Kids get cavities easily! Fortunately, you can stop your child from getting most cavities by developing some good habits as a parent, and by taking action to help keep your child’s teeth clean. Working with your child’s dentist in Newport, TN, you can help protect your child from this uncomfortable problem.

Brush Their Teeth Until They’re Old Enough

Most young children lack the physical coordination to brush their own teeth properly. Kids need to have their teeth brushed by their parents until they’re about 7 or 8 years old.

When your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, supervise their toothbrushing at first, to ensure that they’re doing it right. You should also ask the dentist show your child how to brush their teeth, to make this task easier.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Your child should see the dentist every six months for preventative dentistry in Newport, TN. It’s up to you to ensure that your child sees the dentist often enough. Mark your calendar so you won’t forget to make the dental appointments when the time comes.

Limit Their Intake of Sugary Drinks and Foods

Control how many sugary foods and drinks your child consumes in a day. The more sugar they eat, the easier it will be for your child to get cavities. Tell your child they can only eat one or two sugary foods each day, and keep the sugary drinks out of your child’s reach, so you can control when they consume them.

Is it time to make your child’s appointment with the dentist? Call Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.