To ensure proper development of your baby’s teeth and gums, you will want to have them visit the pediatric dentist from as early as possible. Usually, when the first tooth emerges.
Regular visits to a specialist of dental for kids will also ensure your baby gets early training on good oral hygiene habits like brushing teeth, etc. And since pediatric dentists focus on creating a positive dental experience, you can count on them to help reduce the fear and anxiety that your baby might have towards such visits.
But it isn’t just about good teeth and gum development and preventing phobias. Maintaining good oral health in childhood through regular assessments at the pediatric dentist also ensures your baby’s speech development isn’t impaired among other benefits.
On this page, we will clarify how often you should take your baby to the pediatric dentist. We will also explain what to expect on your first visit to the pediatric dentist.
How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?
If your baby has had their first dental visit already you may wonder, ‘How often should a child go to the dentist?’ Here’s a good answer;
It is recommended for kids to visit pediatric dentists every six months to ensure consistent oral care. Maintaining this routine is important as it not only ensures good oral health for your baby but also ensures that issues can be detected before they spiral out of control.
Now, it is easy to assume that if your baby has a healthy checkup with no issues detected, you can avoid visiting the dentist for one year. Well, this isn’t wise as missing appointments imply that you risk your baby not having a proper checkup for an entire year.
The problem with missing these checkups as you probably already think is that they can allow room for dental hygiene issues like inflammation, tooth decay and hidden cavities to get worse undetected. But with regular 6-month checkups, you’re assured that your pediatric dentist has the best chance to tell if your baby’s oral hygiene habits are effective and done correctly.
They can tell if there are cavities or if your baby is not brushing enough or brushing too hard. That said, healthy checkups do not imply that your baby’s visits to the pediatric dentist should be less. Instead, they indicate that your oral hygiene activities are effective and that the visits are all worth the effort.
What to Expect when you go to the Pediatric Dentist?
To begin with, the first visit to the pediatric dentist mostly lasts 30 to 45 minutes. And what you can expect from this visit will depend on factors like the baby’s age and if there have been any concerns that you may need the specialist to look at. So, when you take your baby to a pediatric dentist, here are five key things you can expect during their visit;
- Comprehensive Examination
Pediatric dentists conduct thorough exams that focus on teeth, jaws, bites, gums, and oral tissues. This evaluation aims to monitor growth and development. So, they mostly check for any abnormalities or concerns.
Depending on your child’s age, the dentist may assess the eruption of new teeth, the alignment of existing ones, and the overall oral health status. As earlier mentioned, these exams are tailored to accommodate your child’s age and developmental stage.
For younger infants, the examination might primarily involve a visual inspection. For older children, the assessment may be more detailed.
- Gentle Cleaning Procedures
During the visit, the dentist may perform a gentle cleaning of your child’s teeth. This process involves polishing teeth to remove stains and plaque buildup.
Tartar removal might also take place if necessary. For infants and toddlers, this cleaning process is typically delicate and non-invasive to ensure their comfort.
But it isn’t just about the cleaning. A good pediatric dentist will also take the opportunity to educate you and the child about proper oral hygiene practices. For example, they may demonstrate techniques like flossing and provide guidance on the appropriate use of fluoride-based products for maintaining optimal oral health.
- Possibility of X-Rays (if required)
Generally, for very young children, routine X-rays aren’t commonly recommended. Usually, they’re avoided due to the developing nature of their primary (baby) teeth, which are temporary and will eventually fall out.
However, there are specific situations where the dentist may suggest X-rays for diagnostic purposes. X-rays may be necessary as a child grows and their permanent teeth begin to emerge.
These images help identify issues like decay, irregular tooth formation, or potential problems that may affect the adult teeth underneath the baby teeth. Pediatric dentists prioritize minimizing radiation exposure, so X-rays are utilized sparingly. They’re mostly reserved for diagnosis or treatment planning.
- Individualized Advice and Guidance
A significant aspect of pediatric dental visits involves personalized advice and guidance tailored to your child’s dental needs. Pediatric dentists offer recommendations based on the examination findings and individual circumstances.
So, they may advise on dietary habits, specific oral care routines, and the importance of regular check-ups. Parents also receive valuable insights during these visits.
So, your pediatric dentist may engage you on topics like teething, pacifier use, thumb sucking, and injury prevention strategies. What’s more, they may give guidance on how to handle emergencies related to oral injuries or sudden dental discomfort.
- Emphasis on Patient Comfort and Education
Pediatric dental visits prioritize creating a comfortable and positive environment for children. Dentists and their staff are trained to interact effectively with kids to help them feel at ease during the visit.
This includes using child-friendly language, explaining procedures in an understandable manner, and employing techniques to reduce anxiety. Also, education forms a key part of these visits.
Concluding Thoughts
It is best to take your baby to the pediatric dentist every six months. And taking the baby to the specialist isn’t only about addressing immediate dental needs but also a holistic approach towards promoting good oral health and ensuring your baby develops a positive attitude towards dental care from a young age.
Get an Expert Pediatric Dentist in Singapore
Experience gentle care for your child’s smile at An Dental! Book an appointment today for specialized pediatric dental services for healthy, happy mouths. To schedule your appointment, call or visit us at;
An Dental – Orchard Dentist | Dental Implant | Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Kids Dentistry Singapore
International Building (Next to Lido)
360 Orchard Road #03-06/07
Singapore 238869
