When Should My Baby Have Their First Dental Appointment?

Your baby will have many milestones in their first one or two years of life. One of those milestones should be seeing the dentist in Jacksonville, FL. It’s important to bring your child to the dentist at this exciting time in their life to ensure that they have good dental health.

Knowing when to bring your child to the dentist and why your child needs to see the dentist at such a young age can help you take care of your child’s dental health. At Mandarin Dentistry, we’re committed to ensuring that your child has healthy teeth and gums. Here’s what to know about taking care of your child’s teeth.

When Should Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment Occur?

Your baby’s first dental appointment should occur within six months of their first tooth erupting from the gums. Most babies start to get teeth when they’re between 4 and 7 months old. If your baby hasn’t grown their first tooth by the time they’re one year old, bring them to the dentist anyway. Your baby’s dentist can check to ensure that your child’s teeth are on track for healthy development.

Why Should Your Baby See the Dentist So Young?

There are many reasons to bring your baby to the dentist when they’re so young.

  • The dentist can examine your child’s teeth for abnormalities or cavities, and if they find problems, they can make recommendations to correct the problem.
  • Your baby will start to get used to seeing the dentist from a very early age. This is good for showing your child that dental health is important and the dentist is someone they can trust.
  • You will learn more about taking care of your baby’s teeth and what you can do to keep your baby’s teeth clean.

What to Expect During Your Baby’s Dental Appointment

During your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will look inside your child’s mouth. However, the examination will not last a long time. The dentist will also answer your questions and give you information about taking care of your baby’s teeth.

Is it time for your baby’s first dental examination in Jacksonville, FL? Call Mandarin Dentistry today to make an appointment.

My Child Is Afraid of the Dentist. What Can I Do?

Some kids have a hard time adjusting to new experiences, while other kids are fearful of strangers. This means that while many children are comfortable seeing the dentist in Jacksonville, FL, a handful of kids need some extra comfort when they’re going to visit the dentist. In this article, we’ll talk about what you can do to help your child get used to visiting the dental professional.

Get Your Child Started With Dental Appointments Soon

Don’t wait for your child to get older. The more time goes on, the more difficult it may be for your child to bring himself or herself to see the dentist. Get started taking your child to the dentist as soon as possible.

Have a Conversation with the Dentist In Advance

Tell the dentist that your child is afraid of visiting the dentist. If the dentist has experience with pediatric patients, they should have strategies for helping nervous patients. Find out what the dentist plans to do to help your child feel more comfortable.

Speak Positively About the Dentist To Your Child

Your child listens to what you have to say, and probably internalizes your attitudes more than you realize. Speaking positively about the dentist and sharing your good experiences with teeth cleanings can help your child feel more comfortable going to see the dentist.

Play “Dentist” Together

Show your child that going to the dentist is harmless. Play dentist together and give your child the opportunity to play out their fears. Pretend to be the dentist and show your child that the dentist is harmless and has their best interests in mind.

Read Books About the Dentist

There are lots of children’s books about visiting the dentist. Choose to read some of these books together while your child is getting ready for bed.

Make An Appointment At the Right Time

Is there a time of day that your child is more cooperative and less jumpy? Make the dental appointment for a time that coincides with this time of day for your child.

If your child needs a dental examination in Jacksonville, FL and they’re not feeling comfortable about it, contact Mandarin Dentistry to make an appointment. We have many pediatric patients and lots of experience helping children adjust to seeing the dentist. We can help!

When Should You Bring Your Baby to See the Dentist for the First Time?

Your baby’s first visit to the dentist is an exciting time, because it means that your baby is growing up and getting their first teeth. Many parents are uncertain when they should bring their baby to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL for the first time.

We can help with that! At Mandarin Dentistry, we can provide information about when it’s the best time to bring your child to the dentist, and we can answer your other questions about pediatric dental visits. Here’s what you need to know.

When to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist

You should bring your baby for their first dental cleaning in Jacksonville, FL within six months of their first tooth erupting from the gums. If your baby doesn’t have their first tooth by the time they’re one year old, bring your baby to the dentist anyway for a checkup. Your baby’s dentist can determine whether your baby’s tooth development is proceeding normally.

What to Expect During Your Baby’s First Visit

A baby’s first visit to the dentist should be short and sweet. The dentist will look inside your baby’s mouth to see if the teeth look healthy, then the dentist will answer any questions you may have about taking care of your baby’s teeth. The dentist will likely show you how to clean your baby’s teeth, and that may be the end of the visit.

The purpose of the first visit is to help your child get used to seeing th dentist, and for the dentist to perform a quick check in, just to ensure that your baby’s teeth are healthy. That doesn’t take very long!

How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth

Caring for your baby’s teeth is relatively fast and easy. Purchase a small, baby-sized toothbrush. Place a thin layer of non-fluoride toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush, then brush your baby’s teeth using gentle circular motions.

When you come in for your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist can watch you brush your baby’s teeth and tell you whether your method needs some tweaking.