At What Age Should Your Child First See a Pediatric Dentist?

When you’re a new parent, there are a lot of firsts that you don’t want to miss. From your baby’s first birthday to his first steps and his first word, these milestones are special to any new mom or dad. But there’s another first that should be on your mind — his first appointment with his pediatric dentist in The Woodlands. Many new parents don’t know how soon is too soon for their little one to see the dentist. Let us help.

First Birthday, First Dental Visit

Pediatric dental professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend that all children see a dentist for the first time by the time they’re one year old or within 6-months of getting their first tooth. This first visit is important for many reasons, including:

• Getting your child comfortable with the dentist 
• Catching early tooth decay, which can happen even in the very first tooth
• Checking tooth development 

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Why does all of this matter if baby teeth are just going to fall out?” and that’s a great question. The truth is, temporary baby teeth serve an important role in long-term oral and overall health. They hold the space for permanent adult teeth, and they help your child speak and eat. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent adult teeth can shift, making it hard for all of the other permanent teeth to fit. This can cause overcrowding, require orthodontics, and lead to other dental problems. That’s why early preventive dental visits with your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands will set your baby up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

What to Expect At Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

Your child’s first dental visit will probably be quick and straightforward. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands will spend time counting teeth (how fun!), checking oral and facial development, and looking for decay. Your pediatric dentist may also ask you about the use of pacifiers, thumb sucking, and bottle use. All of these things can play a role in your child’s oral health and tooth development.

Seeing your pediatric dentist in The Woodlands as early as possible sets your baby up to be comfortable with dental visits, provides them with important dental hygiene information, and can prevent additional problems from popping up later in life. 

If your child hasn’t seen a dentist yet and has at least one tooth, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us today.

About The Author

Dr. Leslie Blackburn

Dr. Leslie Blackburn always knew she wanted to work with children and decided to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She enrolled at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Dental Education. She finished the last leg of her education at Yale University, where she obtained her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.

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