If your youngest cowpoke has started teething, you may wonder if it’s time to make an appointment with a dentist. Don’t fret – you’re just one of many parents who aren’t sure when to saddle up and bring little wranglers to the dentist for their first appointment. We’re here to give you the lowdown!
Today’s fireside chat is about when to bring your kiddo to the pediatric dentist for their new patient appointment. While we’re at it, we’ll also touch on what happens at their first rodeo and why early dental visits are so essential. Let’s lasso that question mark right off your head with some cavity-corrallin’ know-how!
When Should a Baby Go to Dentist Appointments?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first dental visit be before their first birthday or within six months of when their first tooth appears (popping up like a prairie dog!). Yes, partner, you read that right—babies are welcome in the happy smiles corral, too!
Infancy may sound early, but the first dental appointment is as important as a cowboy’s hat on a sunny day. When it comes to oral health, it’s never too soon to lay the groundwork for a dazzling smile and healthy permanent teeth.
A Yeehaw-Worthy Start to Your Child’s Oral Health
Wondering what happens during your debut dental checkup? Hold on to your hat, wrangler, because we’ve got the whole run-down of your child’s dentist appointment!
Good experiences blaze a trail for happy smiles at the dentist, so we ensure patients feel welcome and comfortable at every visit, especially their first time in the saddle. In true cowboy fashion, we aim to make it a rootin’-tootin’ good time.
At the first dental appointment, we conduct a gentle examination to evaluate your baby’s gums, oral tissues, new teeth, and the overall health of their mouth. Most children will get dental X-rays to check on your baby’s teeth that are still hidden away. Frenectomy exams are also a staple for our young patients, and we may even clean your little one’s toothy grin if needed. Our tooth-talkin’ experts also discuss good diet and oral habits to prevent cavities and keep your child’s teeth strong as they grow. And don’t forget introductions to our whole crew and pediatric dentists!
Caring for Baby Teeth When It Matters Most
You might think, “Why in the wild wild West should I take my baby to the dentist so soon?” It’s simple – early childhood dental visits let our team catch and treat issues before a storm hits (tooth decay!). We can also nip bad habits in the bud, like thumb sucking, infrequent brushing, and more.
And, by going to the dentist regularly from a young age, they’ll cozy up to checkups and cleanings like it’s second nature. Regular dental visits are important, so getting off on the right foot is essential. We want to see a fearless, free spirit on the dental frontier!
From the first dental visit onward, we’ll be your partner in establishing an award-winning oral hygiene routine. Healthy habits start at the earliest stages, and we want your little wrangler to be well-equipped with the knowledge to keep their teeth healthy and happy as they grow!
Giddy up to Your Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio Visit
Don’t wait for tumbleweeds to pass on by before bringing your pint-sized kiddos to our best-in-the-West pediatric dentist, Dr. Shaffer. Come roam the range with Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio!
We’re ready to welcome little ones with open arms (and a few friendly yeehaws) at our smile saloon in Napa, CA. Together, we’ll keep those toothy grins lookin’ good for ages.