Starting a good routine at an early stage paves the way for lifelong healthy habits, and introducing your child to regular dental visits is not an exception. Prioritizing their oral health is just as important as nurturing their overall physical well-being, setting them for a future of strong and healthy smiles.

Remember, it’s all about how you frame dental visits in your child’s mind, and we’re here to help! At Elevate Dental, beyond cosmetic and general dentistry, we create a fun, light environment that ensures your child enjoys taking care of their teeth. Curious on how to start? Know when is the right time for your child to see the dentist!

 When should your child have their first dental visit?

 Why should children visit the dentist at the age of one?

Visiting the dentist at this age allows the parents to have insights on these areas:

• Management of oral habits such as finger and thumb sucking
• Assessment of first teeth
• Development of gums and jawline

Basically, it lays the groundwork on taking care of your child’s oral health in general. During the appointment, the dentist will carefully examine your child’s first teeth to ensure they are coming in properly. Baby teeth, though temporary, play a vital role in speech development, chewing, and even holding space for adult teeth. Addressing any concerns early—such as teething difficulties, gum health, or tooth alignment—can prevent future issues as your child grows. By catching potential problems in the early stages, the dentist can recommend preventive measures or treatments, which can save you and your child from more complex dental work down the line.

Pro tip: Feel free to raise all the questions you have in mind, and make sure to write down all essential guides that you will get from this first visit just to keep you on track of maintaining your child’s teeth!

Why should children visit the dentist at the age of four?

Ideally, after your child’s first visit at the age of one, the next dental appointment wouldn’t be needed until they turn four. Unless of course, there are signs of tooth decay or other concerning dental issues. While the first visit is all about oral health guidance, the second visit aims to address and correct the bad oral traits of your kid like sucking and chewing on fingers and thumbs to avoid any further oral problems.

By this age, cavities may also begin to develop. Studies show that nearly one in four children between the ages of 2 and 5 has cavities in their baby teeth, which can affect their ability to eat and speak properly. With that in mind, you can expect to hear more suggestions during this visit from your dentist on how to maintain your child’s oral health at an optimal level.

Why should children visit the dentist at the age of seven?

By the age of seven, your child will likely have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. In fact, their first molars are expected to come in around this time, and seeing an orthodontist for this visit is highly encouraged. At this stage, orthodontists can evaluate the structure of your child’s teeth and identify potential orthodontic issues, like misaligned bites or overcrowded teeth, that could develop if not addressed early. This allows ample time to address them before they become more serious.

Take a note of this, during this time, your child is already developing the smile that they will carry into their teenage years and adulthood. By getting a grip on the possible problems that may occur, you’re not only helping to create a beautiful smile but also preventing the need for more complex treatments later on, such as braces or even surgery. Investing in their smile now sets the stage for a lifetime of confidence and healthy habits.

Take the first step on providing a bright oral health future for your child with Elevate Dental. We’re dedicated to making their first dental visit not only effective but also memorable and fun. Our team ensures a welcoming environment, so your child feels comfortable and excited about their dental care, turning every visit into an experience they will always look forward to.