When Should a Toddler Go to the Dentist?

Tooth decay can lead to permanent gum and teeth damage. Contrary to popular belief, your toddlers' milk teeth are susceptible to tooth decay, which makes preventive measures such as regular teeth brushing and oral hygiene of utmost importance. It's also important for your toddler to see a dentist in the first year of her life.

Introduction

• It is recommended your toddler visit a dentist well before his first birthday for an initial assessment. Most dentists suggest the preliminary visit no longer than six month after the eruption of the child's first tooth, with regular follow-up visits. Other dentists recommend a visit before the first tooth erupts. This visit is important for two reasons: your child will get familiar with all that is involved in healthy oral hygiene and dental care, and the visit will acclimatize him to the dentists' clinic, thereby reducing or eliminating what often becomes lifelong anxiety.

Preparing your Child for the First Visit

• The first visit to a dentist's office is often the most difficult for both the parents and the child. Before you schedule your toddler's first visit, consult with the dentist in private. Inquire about the procedures planned in the first visit so you can prepare your child gently. Armed with that knowledge, you can calm your toddler if she gets nervous on the day of the visit. It is best to reschedule the visit if your child is inconsolable.

The First Visit

• Typically, the first visit to the dentist is nothing more than a preliminary icebreaker. The dentist will attempt to familiarize your toddler and you with the dental procedures involved in providing the best oral health care to your child.

  The best time to schedule this appointment is earlier in the day, when your child is well rested, fed and alert. The session ideally lasts from 15 to 30 minutes, and you could be asked either to accompany the child to the dentist's office or wait in the reception area.

  The first visit will involve a gentle examination of the oral cavity, oral tissues, teeth, gums, bite and the jaw to establish where your child is on the growth chart. If necessary, the dentist may be required to perform cleaning to remove any stains, tartar or plaque. The dentist will also demonstrate how to best brush teeth after meals and for how long.

  Your toddler should be made to feel completely at ease. If required, bring along a favorite toy and walk around the office building so your child begins to comprehend that the dentist's office is harmless.

  This preliminary visit should be nonthreatening and your child should be relaxed, so the subsequent visits, spaced six months apart, can follow smoothly.