February is often thought of as the month with Valentine’s Day, but it’s actually National Children’s Dentistry Month as well. This month, parents and dentists take a little extra time talking about the best ways to take care of Oklahoma’s littlest smiles. Of course, one essential part is taking them to the dentist, but when should they start going? What can you expect during their first visit? These are very common questions, so your children’s dentist in El Reno, OK, Dr. Alex Cohlmia, is going to take a little time to answer them today.

When Should I Take Them to the Dentist the First Time?

Logic might tell you that you should schedule your child’s first dentist appointment as soon as their first tooth appears, but that would actually be too soon. The American Dental Association recommends that your child should have their first dental appointment 6 months after their first tooth has erupted, or before their first birthday. This means you don’t need to rush after they get their first tooth. If you bring them in too early, they simply won’t have enough dental structure for your dentist in El Reno, OK to examine. However, if your child doesn’t have any teeth by the time they turn 1, you should bring them in as well.

What Will Their First Visit Be Like?

Your child’s first visit to El Reno Family Dentistry has much less to do with treatment than trying to make them feel comfortable in our office. These initial visits are very important to help your child establish a positive connection with going to the dentist, so it’s best to start slow. It will mostly involve a discussion between you, your child, and your doctor. You’ll talk about your child’s medical history and any other observations you’ve made that might be relevant to their dental health.

You’ll also discuss basic oral hygiene, why it’s important, how their diet affects their teeth, and developmental milestones you should look for. This will help you monitor your child’s growth, as well as get them thinking about taking care of their teeth.

Dr. Cohlmia will then gently clean your child’s teeth and perform a short oral exam as they sit in your lap, and then advise you on what to do moving forward. Thankfully, these early visits can catch many problems while they are extremely easy to treat. After the first visit, you should bring your child in every 6 months for a standard check-up and cleaning, just like yourself. This will help their smile grow as they do, and keep them healthy for years.

Want To Know More?

When it comes to treating your child, it’s all about a gentle touch, and they’ll get that from their first visit and each one after. We want your child to grow healthy just like you do, and we’re happy to be a part of your lives.

If you have any questions about when you should bring your child to the dentist or what to expect, please give us a call today.