What's the right age for a child's first pediatric dentist visit?
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Hi PedsRN, great question! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This early visit can help prevent tooth decay and establish good oral hygiene habits for life.
I took my oldest child to the dentist for the first time when she was 18 months old, and it was such a positive experience! The dentist showed me how to brush her teeth properly and gave us some great tips for preventing cavities. Now my other two kids go to the dentist regularly too.
As a pediatric dentist, I can confirm that it's important to establish good oral hygiene habits early on. A child's first dental visit should be a fun and positive experience, so they don't develop a fear of the dentist as they get older. During the first visit, we usually just do a quick exam and count the number of teeth, but it's a great opportunity to educate parents about how to care for their child's teeth and gums.
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