Posted on 10/10/2022 by Advanced Dental Associates
It's a question every new parent has wondered about. We have a road map to our pediatrician appointments to get the assortment of shots and tests completed as our child grows. However, where is the map for taking our kids to the dentist? We are kind of left to our own devices for the most part.
Well, you are likely to be surprised by what the American Dental Association recommends. What is your guess for what age kids should be taken to the dentist? Would you guess age two? Or what about eighteen months? Well, those would be good guesses, but wrong. They actually recommend taking your child to the dentist before they reach one. It might seem young but there are very good reasons for that.
Why Children Should See The Dentist at Such a Young Age.
Some of the reasons the dentist wants the children to come to the dentist early is to educate them and help to form good habits like proper brushing and flossing, educatioin about proper dental care for parents and children, and spot problem areas in the oral cavity. Starting early really helps get the child comfortable with the dentist at an early age.
It is important to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques to the parents so they can help their children learn. If the parents brush their own teeth with regularity, the children will want to mimic it and do the same.
With children coming to the dentist at a young age, any problem areas that might need treatment can be spotted early. This typically means the treatment options are less invasive.
Perhaps the most important part of taking kids to the dentist while they are young is to lower their anxiety surrounding the idea of the dentist. The first few visits can just be fun visits to meet the hygienists and the dentist. It will make them more comfortable.
In Conclusion
While taking children to the dentist while they are so young might seem strange, it will go far in getting them used to going to the dentist. By getting them in the habit of going early, they will take the habits they learn with them as they grow up.
Dental Blog San Antonio, TX • Advanced Dental Associates We here at Advanced Dental Associates believe in educating our patients about how to best maintain their oral and overall health. Call us today at: (210) 655-2753.
Advanced Dental Associates, 16131 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247-1002 \ (210) 714-5589 \ advanceddentalsa.com \ 5/30/2023 \ Page Terms:dentist San Antonio TX \
It's a question every new parent has wondered about. We have a road map to our pediatrician appointments to get the assortment of shots and tests completed as our child grows. However, where is the map for taking our kids to the dentist? We are kind of left to our own devices for the most part.