As soon the first baby teeth erupt, children need dental care. This may seem surprisingly young, but there are many good reasons that your child should visit the dentist early.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or by they time they are a year old. That's because dental appointments are just as important for kids as they are for grownups.
At an early stage, regular dental hygiene is fundamental in the prevention of early childhood tooth decay. Early dental appointments help to prevent dental issues from developing, and to catch and treat those that have already developed.
Benefits of Early Dental Care
- You can find out if what you're doing at home to clean your child's teeth is effective.
- Your dentist will be able to identify and treat emerging dental problems, such as decay, crowding or misalignment of teeth.
- Your child will start getting used to going to the dentist early, which lessens the likelihood of anxiety.
- Baby (primary) teeth are extremely important to your child's oral and overall health. Getting started with regular dental care early will help ensure that these teeth stay strong and healthy.