Child’s First Visit to Dentist Age

New parents often want to know when their child should first visit the maple grove children's dentist. The recommendation is earlier than most people may think.

Many children in America first visit their family dentist when they are well over two years old. This is much later than dental and medical professionals recommend.

A survey was conducted in 2009 to help improve our knowledge regarding the state of children’s oral health.

The survey revealed that approximately 34% of children had not yet visited the dentist. For those who had completed their initial visit, the average age of the first time seeing the dentist was 2.6 years. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should go to the dentist before age 1 or within six months of their first tooth. Primary teeth normally begin coming in when children are about 6 months old.

Importance of primary teeth

For the children who had never visited the dentist or who had not seen a dentist in the last 12 months, the most common reasons were that the parent didn’t think the child had enough teeth or that they weren’t old enough. Not having dental insurance coverage was also mentioned by a small group of parents/caregivers.

The AAPD acknowledges the importance of maintaining primary or “baby” teeth in tact until they naturally fall out. Primary teeth are critical for numerous reasons including:

  • Helping children chew properly and maintain good nutrition
  • Speech development
  • Preserving space for permanent or “adult” teeth
  • Promoting a healthy smile and giving children confidence

Many people aren’t informed on how important a child’s baby teeth are in regards to their long-term oral health. There is an increasing need to educate parents and children on healthy oral care such as proper brushing and flossing techniques. These important daily practices help promote lifelong oral health. A child’s initial dentist visit is a great chance for parents and kids to learn how best to maintain healthy teeth.

Dentist visit jitters

Taking children to the dentist when their first tooth appears helps them feel comfortable early on and avoid being nervous. For children who have their first dentist appointment at an older age (2+ years), they may have anxiety and apprehension prior to their first visit.

The first visit to the dentist can be an adjustment for many children as they are not used to the instruments, noises or having someone work on their teeth. A few ways to help prepare children include:

  • Allow the child a preview of the visit.Take your child along with you for your next checkup so they can watch you have your teeth cleaned and examined.
  • Education is key.There are a plethora of books and online resources targeted at education children about their dental health and dentist visits.
  • Play dentist.Take turns playing dentist and patient with your child. Get your child comfortable with the examination by using a mirror to look at your teeth or use your fingers to count each other’s teeth.
  • Don’t be in a rush.Be sure to allow for extra time so the dental visit doesn’t feel rushed. Ensure your child is also well-rested and fed before the visit so they feel relaxed and comfortable.

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