If you’re a new parent, you’ve got a lot on your plate. And dental care for your child may not be at the front of your mind. We get it! There’s a lot to worry about as a new parent.
But you shouldn’t ignore dental care for your toddler. Even though they’re young, they need to see the dentist regularly just like an older child or an adult would. And you may be surprised at how early your child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled.
So read on, and get all the details you need from the team at Coronado Family Dental. We’re always here to help you keep your child’s mouth healthy in Albuquerque.
The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids see a dentist for the first time when they get their first tooth, or when they reach 1 year of age, whichever happens first. And that’s our recommendation at Coronado Family Dental, too!
Your child doesn't need to see a dentist until they have a tooth, but after this, they should see the dentist regularly. This may seem early, but there are a lot of benefits to routine dental care from such an early age.
First, it will familiarize your child with the process of visiting the dentist. They’ll get used to it, and will be less likely to feel fear or anxiety about dental care in the future. Routinely seeing Dr. Becky Chiem also allows her to learn more about your child’s unique oral health challenges, leading to better overall care.
You and your child will also both be able to learn more about pediatric dental care, and how to keep your little one’s smile healthy as they grow and continue to develop over the years.
Usually, you can hold your child in your lap during their first appointment. Dr. Chiem will gently clean your child’s gums and teeth. Plaque and tartar will be removed, and then she will examine their mouth to check on their oral health and development.
She may recommend x-rays, depending on the situation, though these are not usually necessary for very young kids. Then, she will discuss her findings with you, recommend any follow-ups that are needed, and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.
Just like everyone else, children need to see the dentist every six months after their first appointment. Regular checkups protect their oral health, save you money, and help you catch any potential issues early. We’ll schedule your child’s first follow-up right after their initial appointment.
At Coronado Family Dental, Dr. Becky Chiem is always here to provide expert dental care for children in Albuquerque. If your child is overdue for their first appointment, now is the best time to get started. Contact us online or call today at (505) 369-6451 to schedule your child’s first appointment at Coronado Family Dental.