How Often Should Kids Visit the Dentist?
Oral health problems can happen at any age and can be treated more effectively when they’re caught early. It’s generally recommended that children see a dentist twice a year for their routine check-up, but your child’s dentist will recommend the best visiting pattern for their individual needs. They may also need to visit at other times, if they need a treatment or other services.
Read this guide to find out why it’s important for kids to visit the dentist and what to expect at their oral health appointment. If you need to arrange a check-up or to ask a dentist anything, get in touch with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental today.
When should a child have their first dental visit?
Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they have teeth – ideally within 6 months of growing their first tooth or before they turn 1 year old. As well as giving you reassurance that your child’s teeth are developing normally, regular dental visits in childhood can also help kids to feel more calm in the clinic setting and less likely to fall into bad care habits or to develop dental anxiety as they grow up.
Why are dental check-ups important?
Problems such as tooth decay and orthodontic issues can develop quickly in children’s teeth, as the enamel is thinner and their jaws are constantly growing, and there aren’t always obvious warning signs. Seeing a dentist twice a year or more frequently improves the chances of any problems being spotted and addressed at an early stage.
What happens during your child’s check-up?
During their visit, your child’s dentist will make sure they feel comfortable in the chair and examine their teeth and gums to check that they’re healthy. They will ask you or your child about their brushing and dietary habits and may offer advice about taking the best care of their teeth at home.
If their dentist does spot a cavity or other signs of a problem, they will discuss treatment options such as white fillings and arrange a date for their treatment. As children grow up, hygiene treatments provided during their visit, such as cleaning and scaling and fluoride treatments, help to protect their teeth and lower their risk of decay.
How to care for kids’ teeth
Helping your child to take good care of their teeth every day can help them avoid oral health problems and dental procedures as they grow up. This includes:
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes
- Using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (low-fluoride children’s toothpaste until age 6)
- Flossing daily, once they have teeth that touch together
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting extra sugar
- Drinking plenty of water every day, especially fluoridated tap water
- Wearing a custom mouthguard if they play sports
Talk to a children’s dentist in Mosman
If it’s been longer than 6 months since your child visited the dental clinic, contact us at Mosman 3D Dental today so we can schedule an appointment with our family dentists. Call us now on (02) 9969 8610 or make a booking online.