How Often Should My Child See the Dentist?
At Grandville Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child have their first dental visit by the time they turn one or when their first tooth comes in, whichever is sooner. After that, it’s best if your child sees our Grandville, MI, pediatric dentists at least two times a year.
Most dentists recommend a even for adult patients, but it’s even more important in childhood. Consistent appointments like this help keep your child’s oral health on track.
Here are some of the benefits of taking your child to see our dentists at least twice a year.
Regular Dental Visits for Your Child:
1. Help Monitor Growth and Development
By taking your child to our Grandville pediatric dental office on a regular basis, we can monitor the growth and development of their baby teeth and their permanent teeth. Our pediatric dentists can catch problems early, which will likely save you time and money in addition to protecting your .
At Grandville Pediatric Dentistry, our dentists specialize in early childhood development. By making sure your child has a dental exam and teeth cleaning once every six months, we can help you give your child a strong foundation in oral health.
2. Can Normalize the Dentist
Many children (and adults!) are afraid of going to the dentist. We know going to new places can be scary, and children may be frightened by the new environment, sounds, and people they encounter at the dentist’s office.
Going to the dentist regularly helps normalize the experience for your child. Our skilled team of pediatric dental professionals can build a relationship with your child, making the experience less scary. If needed, we can also help ease dental anxiety with either oral conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
By building trust with our patients, we can explain the noises or instruments that may scare them in a way they can understand, helping them relax and even have fun at the dentist’s office.
3. Encourage Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
Every parent learns just how difficult everyday tasks can be once they have to teach them to their child. For example, most of us don’t think about it much when we tie our shoes, but for children, such a simple task could ruin a morning. It’s no wonder, then, that many parents struggle with teaching their children how to brush teeth.
By going to the dentist twice a year, you will have a built-in opportunity to ask our pediatric dentists for advice on how to teach your child proper oral hygiene habits. You’ll also gain a fellow instructor as our dentists can show your child how to use a toothbrush on their own as well as what the best techniques are for you when you’re helping out at home.
4. Can Start a Healthy Habit
Only about half of American adults go to the dentist twice a year. In fact, more than one in five only go once every few years. This leaves a huge portion of the population susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Taking your child to see our dentists every six months can start a healthy habit that will serve them well into adulthood. By making the dentist a safe, normal experience, your child will be more likely to prioritize their oral health when the decision is in their hands.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Appointment Today
Is your child overdue for their next dental appointment? Our pediatric dentists in Grandville, MI, can help you keep your child’s oral health on track with regular teeth cleanings. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430, or contact us online to request an appointment.
This blog has been updated.