The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first dental visit should occur within six months of your baby’s first tooth appearing, but no later than your child’s first birthday.
When you make your first appointment with All Smiles Harrisonburg this will allow us to check your child’s teeth for cavities as well as check your child for dental related problems that could be occurring such as those related to habits like thumb sucking. Our pediatric dental team will also answer questions about caring for your child’s teeth at home such as brushing habits and can offer nutritional counseling as well.
Here at All Smiles Harrisonburg, we understand that some parents wonder why baby teeth are important when they will be replaced by permanent teeth. However, painful cavities in teeth is the number one reason why children miss school. Early dental visits can prevent these types of emergency situations from ever happening to your child by providing you with the knowledge you need to care for your child’s teeth. Children also use their baby teeth to develop speech and to chew. The baby teeth also hold space in your child’s jaw for permanent teeth to grow into. Because of these factors, well checks are important for your child so they can establish a relationship with us. In the event that we need to provide your child with treatment, your child will be significantly more relaxed having had multiple experiences in our office.
At All Smiles Harrisonburg, we look forward to seeing each and every one of our patients and helping your child establish a “dental home” with our pediatric dental office.