At What Age Should a Kid Go to the Dentist?

Dental care is crucial for everyone. That is why you visit the dentist twice a year, even if you do not have any oral health problems. However, most parents are uncertain about the appropriate age for taking their kids to the dentist. As a result, some wait too long, and the kids develop serious dental issues. Read on to learn when kids should visit pediatric dentists in New York.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

A pediatric dentist is a dental professional with child-specific training. They prevent, diagnose and treat dental health issues in infants, children and teens. The pediatric dentist in the Upper East Side pediatric focuses on dental problems unique to this age group.

They receive training to handle issues affecting the kids’ teeth, jaws and gums. Pediatric dentists also receive psychological training. It enables them to communicate with kids of all temperaments. They have special equipment for treating kids without making them afraid. In addition, their dental offices are customized to make kids feel comfortable.

A pediatric dentist ensures that a child’s teeth and gums are healthy and function correctly throughout childhood. These experts teach the kids the benefits of practicing good oral hygiene. They also work with parents to ensure children receive optimum dental care.

When Is the Appropriate Age for a First Pediatric Visit?

Dental professionals recommend taking a child for their first dental visit by the time they turn one year old. Alternatively, you can take them within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Taking kids to the pediatric dentist this age will help identify or prevent issues hindering proper teeth development. It also helps them get used to dental care early, preventing phobias.

The pediatric dentist in Upper East Side will examine the child’s mouth on this first visit. They will check for congenital disabilities that affect jaw and teeth growth. The dentist will also check for early tooth decay or gum infections. If any problems are found, they will discuss them with you and create a future treatment plan.

The dentist will teach you to clean the baby’s tooth and gums to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. They will also advise you on proper infant feeding practices to prevent tooth decay. For example, ensure the child swallows all the milk after feedings to avoid plaque formation.

Your child’s dentist will appraise you on what to expect during the teething stage. Also, the expert will give you tips to make the process easier for the child and yourself. If your baby uses a pacifier, the dentist will teach you appropriate pacifier habits. Finally, they will discuss finger-sucking practices and the proper interventions.

It is never too late to start pediatric dental care. If your child is already past one-year-old, you can still take them to the dentist. After they turn two, they must visit the dentist regularly for the standard exam and cleaning. In addition, the dentist will teach them proper methods to brush and floss for optimum oral hygiene.

At ages 4-6, you should take them to the dentist for the first set of x-rays to check for cavities. Afterward, they get treatments to prevent tooth decay when the permanent teeth erupt. Once they turn seven, the dentist will perform an orthodontic evaluation.

What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?

Children’s dentists focus on issues that affect kids’ mouths. Pediatric dentists in New York provide various treatments. Some are highlighted below.

1. Pediatric dentists perform oral health exams for infants involving caries risk assessment. They also educate parents on cavity prevention in infants.
2. They provide emergency dental care for injuries such as fractured, displaced or knocked teeth.
3. These dentists perform early orthodontic assessments and treatments to ensure proper teeth development.
4. They provide preventive dental care for kids. This includes oral exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
5. Pediatric dentists treat tooth cavities and repair teeth damaged by cavities.
6. They provide habit counseling for parents whose kids have issues like pacifier use and thumb sucking.
7. They help reverse or manage pediatric periodontal diseases.
8. They diagnose oral conditions associated with ADHD, diabetes, asthma and congenital heart defects.

Visit us or book an appointment with us at Smile Up NYC for excellent pediatric dental care.