If you are a parent, it is likely that you already understand the importance of taking your child to see a dentist. However, what you may not know is that a child should be seeing a local dentist much earlier than you might think. Read on for more information about when to begin thinking about taking your child to the dentist, as well as what you can expect at your first visit.
What Age Is an Appropriate Age?
Many often wonder what the best ages are is to take a child to the kid’s dentist in Gurnee. In general, it is recommended that children see a pediatric or kid’s dentist by about 12 months, or approximately six months after receiving his or her first tooth, depending on which comes first.
What Can I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Appointment?
It may be hard to imagine your child sitting still through the process of having his or her teeth examined. While it may be true that your child could have difficulties with his or her first visit, it is important to bear in mind that a kid’s dentist in Gurnee will be specially trained to handle children of all ages.
As such, your first dental appointment will likely involve an examination of your child’s teeth and light cleaning, if needed. The dentist will also likely examine your child’s jaws, gums and more. Moreover, your dentist can provide you with information on how to brush and floss your child’s teeth correctly and will answer any lingering questions you may have.
In some cases, a pediatric dentist may have x-rays performed. Generally speaking, x-rays are typically used only in circumstances that involve tooth decay, blockages caused by baby teeth, or other situations that might require looking beneath the surface.
All in all, while it may be surprising to hear that your child should see the dentist as early as a year old, the truth is that seeing a kid’s dentist in Gurnee can greatly reduce your child’s chances of developing oral health issues later.
If you think it is time to see a pediatric dentist, please don’t delay. Call or visit us at Excellence in Dentistry.
