Many parents will ask us when they should first bring their child in for their first checkup. The general rule of thumb is when their first tooth erupts through the gums or by the time they are 1-year-old.
Even with the strongest oral hygiene routine, there is still the need to have a professional help out. Plaque and tartar are able to build up and can not be removed with normal at home methods. While primary teeth will eventually fall out naturally, it is important to keep them safe and healthy before that point.
Starting your child’s oral health out on the right foot is important, and ensuring they make their scheduled dental cleaning and exam is the best way to do so. By having your dentist examine your child’s mouth from an early age, they can more successfully identify any issues before they become much worse.
Successful identification of pediatric orthodontic issues can allow for measures such as expanders to be used. By making small changes and using certain treatments, your dentist can help to greatly reduce the amount of future orthodontic work that will be needed. If your child uses a pacifier often or has the habit of sucking their thumb, we can also track the changes to the shape of the mouth to see if these actions are causing long-term damage.
Dental exams and cleanings are also a key time for a low-grade fluoride treatment. Fluoride is crucial for keeping the enamel strong and helping the tooth fight against decay.