According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, all children should have their first dental appointment by the time they reach a year old, although initial visits are usually recommended when your child is one to six months old, before the first teeth begin to come in.

Early and regular visits to the dentist help establish healthy dental habits early in life, so that your child can develop strong teeth that they will continue to care for throughout their lives. A regular schedule of visits throughout early childhood also prepares your child for a lifetime of professional cleaning.

The first visit is often very short, and involves evaluation of any existing teeth, as well as the jaw, gums and bite. During the first few visits, parents are encouraged to stay with their child during examination, often keeping the child on their lap while he or she is examined by the dentist. This helps calm any fears or anxieties your child may have about visiting a new person and office for the first time.

In addition to promoting healthy tooth care for your child, bringing your child to the dentist also helps parents develop techniques to reinstate these habits at home. It provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about your child’s oral health and how to properly care for their teeth. It also allows your dentist to develop dental records for your child at the earliest stages of tooth development, so that any future problems can be traced back.

Although early visits are recommended, x-rays are not usually needed until children reach the age of five or six, unless they have certain tooth or jaw abnormalities, such as cleft lip or palate, or baby bottle tooth decay. Your dentist will inform you of these and other recommended milestones for dental care during your child’s first visit.

Dr. Ravin provides specialized care for young patients while also taking into account the concerns of parents. He evaluates and treats issues often affecting young children in a gentle and caring manner. When planning your child’s first dental visit, consider Dr. Ravin and his friendly and experienced staff to educate your child on the importance of healthy oral habits.