Getting your child started with regular pediatric dentist visits early on is important to keep their smile healthy. But how often should they actually go? Here are some guidelines on the recommended frequency of pediatric dentist appointments based on your child's age.

First Visit by Age 1

It's recommended that you schedule your child's first appointment with a pediatric dentist around their first birthday. Some even recommend an initial visit as early as when the first tooth erupts. This gets them comfortable with the dental environment early. The pediatric dentist will do an exam to look for any potential problems with emerging teeth and help give you tips on caring for your child’s oral health.

Check-Ups Every 6 Months

Once your child has seen a pediatric dentist for the first time, regular visits every 6 months is ideal. Biannual cleanings, exams, and x-rays will become part of the routine, similar to adult dental care. The pediatric dentist can monitor for cavities, abnormal wear, alignment problems, and other issues that are best caught early. Frequent visits also allow the dentist to apply preventive sealants and fluoride treatments. This helps reduce decay risk.

Extra Visits if Issues Arise

While the standard recommendation is a pediatric dentist visit every 6 months, you may need to go more often if any problems crop up between regular checkups. For example, if your child damages teeth, loses a filling, or chips a tooth, schedule an appointment right away to prevent bigger issues down the road. Any signs of decay, gum inflammation, or orthodontic concerns should also prompt an earlier visit rather than waiting. Don't hesitate to ask the pediatric dentist how soon to follow up.

Specialist Referral When Necessary

Based on your pediatric dentist's assessments each visit, they may recommend seeing a specialist like an orthodontist. Problems like misalignment, oral surgery needs, or tooth extraction will get referred to the appropriate dental specialist. Follow through promptly on any referral appointments to ensure your child’s oral health stays on track.

Making pediatric dentist checkups part of your child’s health routine is crucial. Not only will it help prevent cavities and tooth decay, but it teaches them the importance of caring for their teeth from a young age. According to the CDC, nearly 87% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 had a dental visit in the past year. With frequent check-ins, you can rest assured any dental health issue gets addressed quickly. Call us to schedule an appointment if your child is due to be seen by a pediatric dentist.

Posted 5/14/24