Can you remember the first thing that came to your mind when you saw that very first tooth begin to cut its way into your child’s mouth?
How about when the second? Third? Fourth??
If you’re like some busy parents, it probably was not, “I need to make the first dentist appointment”. Unfortunately this is why so many children suffer from pediatric gum disease, cavities and other gum and teeth problems. Especially when their adult teeth start to form and
| “When Is The Right Time To Take My Child To The Dentist?” |
At Smile More Kidz, we see children around the 2 1/2 years old. Sometimes as early as 1 1/2 when the parents see a problem. Pediatric dental care should begin well before your son or daughter reaches his or her second, even first birthday!
Your child’s baby teeth are very important to his or her facial development, the ability and ease with which your child will learn to speak, and even your child’s capability to eat properly. All of this occurs well before the tooth fairy ever makes her first visit during the night!
What Makes Baby (Primary) Teeth So Important?
Primary teeth are extremely important to the overall oral health of your child. They are essential to:
- Proper chewing and eating, and therefore nutrition
- Creating space for the permanent teeth that will grow in later in their lives, and guide those teeth into the proper positions
- Allowing for the normal development of the jaw bones and facial muscles.
- The ease and ability for speech development
Baby teeth will impact your child’s appearance, nutrition, and speech for the rest of his or her life! The front four teeth on the top and bottom will last until the age of six or seven, while the cuspids and molars (back teeth) will remain until the age of ten to thirteen.
When Should I Make the First Dentist Appointment For My Child?
All twenty of your child’s baby teeth will have come in at some point between the second and third birthday. At this point, your first step to proper dental care is to begin regular brushing. This can be a fun and enjoyable time for you and your child.
At around the age of 24-36 months, you should make the first dentist appointment, even if all of your child’s teeth have not fully grown in yet. (Unless of course you see signs or symptoms of gum disease or other issues. If you do, see a dentist immediately!)