If you have a young child, especially if they are your first, you may wonder when you should start bringing them to the dentist for teeth cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends bringing them in within six months after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday.

Baby teeth typically first pop up around six months of age, and unfortunately, these teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they erupt. Known as baby bottle tooth decay, tooth decay in infants and toddlers occurs mostly in the upper front teeth, but their other teeth are not immune. Fear not: tooth decay is entirely preventable. Most kids will have a full set of baby teeth by the time they turn three, but don’t wait that long: bring them in as soon as you see those little teeth come in.  

Here at Hudson Family Dental, pediatric dentistry is one of our core offerings, and our team loves kids. We encourage you to bring your children to us as soon as possible so they can get used to the warm and welcoming environment early on and build a healthy, positive rapport with their dentist.

Today we will discuss when to start teeth cleaning and how often. Hint: it’s the same recommendation as for adults.

Start them off easy 

 

If you have a small child who will be coming to us soon for their first visit, we suggest bringing them with you to your – or an older sibling’s – appointment so they can get a sense of what’s involved and get used to the environment. This will set them up for a positive first visit when it’s their turn.

From teeth cleanings and oral exams to fluoride treatments and sealants, our family-friendly teeth cleaning services extend to even the littlest of patients. There’s no better time to start visiting the dentist than when their first teeth erupt. This way, they can get used to sitting in the dentist’s chair while learning about the instruments and equipment. Taking the fear and anxiety out of the dentist early in their development will set them up for a healthy relationship with their hygienist and dentist for life. 

To prep your child for the visit, talk to them about what to expect and be positive. Let them practice opening and closing their mouth so that they aren’t scared when the dentist asks to open wide and count their teeth. It’s also helpful to read books or watch videos about first dental visits so they are more confident and less fearful.

Knowledge is power, especially on your child’s first visit, so check out our blog on what to expect during the initial visit – no matter how old you are.

 

During the visit

 

You can expect our team to be extremely positive and welcoming to your child when they visit us. We know this can be a daunting time for them, which is why we do all we can to make them feel at ease.

If your child can’t or doesn’t want to sit in the chair on their own, they can sit on your lap while the dentist performs the exam. At this time, the dentist will take a look at their jaw and teeth to make sure they’re developing correctly, and also check for any injuries, cavities or other issues. The dentist will also count their teeth and then clean them gently, offering tips for you as the parent on optimal daily oral care.

Heed these tips to ensure a worry-free visit:

• Avoid scheduling a dental appointment during naptime; choose a time when you know your child will be cooperative and well-rested.
• Feed your child a light meal and brush their teeth prior to the appointment so they aren’t hungry and cranky.
• View the appointment as a happy, fun experience, and your child will pick up on your positivity.

 

Pediatric teeth cleanings: How often?

 

The ADA recommends getting a dental cleaning every six months, or twice a year, to limit the risk of cavities. About 46 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated cavities in one or more of their primary or permanent teeth, says the CDC.

At twice-yearly visits, the dentist can check your child’s dental development, determine if there are any changes in the mouth, and offer recommendations for their overall oral health. Fluoride treatments and sealants are recommended for children and teens to keep cavities at bay.  

Of course, if you notice anything unusual or your child has suffered a mouth injury in between those visits, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. For your convenience, we offer 24/7 emergency dental services.

 

Contact Hudson Family Dental today

 

If your child is ready for their first dental visit, we welcome you to make an appointment today at (978) 562-2782. We look forward to meeting your child and guiding them on their journey to a lifetime of positive oral health habits!