Kids and the General Dentist

As general dentists, we are routinely asked by mom and dad, “When should my child

first see a dentist?” Or even more commonly, “My child still has baby teeth, why would they need a dentist this young?”

The short and sweet answer is, “Whenever they have their first tooth fully erupted in their

mouth.”

This can be as early as when the child is one year old! Are we generally concerned with dental disease on a single tooth in a one-year-old? No. But it is crucial to the child to establish a dental home, and to become familiar and comfortable being in the dentist’s chair. This usually involves lots of fun and happy distractions and desensitization.

One of the main reasons adults avoid dental care is because they “had a bad experience as a kid.” By coming in early and learning that there is nothing to be afraid of, you are setting the child up for lifelong dental health and success, without the anxiety.