How often is it advisable for children to visit the dentist? Many parents have probably asked themselves this same question. From what age should parents take their children to the dentist? How can they prepare their children for their first dental visit? When do their children need an early visit? How often do they need to change toothbrushes? Should the dentist fix baby teeth? This article answers these questions for parents and more.
When should your child first visit the dentist?
The frequency with which children should visit the dentist depends on:
- Dental hygiene: If dental hygiene is inadequate, children might need to visit the dentist more often.
- Risk factors: Some risk factors may include poor diet (e.g., a diet high in sugary drinks or excessive sweets) and genetic factors that may predispose a child to gum problems.
In general, it is recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. However, if a child requires it, the frequency may be greater.
The dentist for different stages of life
During different stages of life, children need different dental care. Here are some considerations for each stage of growth, from toddlerhood to teenagers:
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
The first visit to the dentist should be when the child turns one year old or when the first tooth appears. This allows the dentist to evaluate the gums, teeth, and jaw. In toddlers, it is important to establish a healthy relationship with the dentist from the first visit.
Parents should pay special attention to dental hygiene and oral habit formation of infants and toddlers. Some prevention tips at this age include the following:
- Avoid going to bed with a bottle.
- Transition from a bottle to a cup from one year of age.
- Wash the gums with a washcloth or gauze after eating and before going to bed.
- Start brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts.
- Avoid giving food that sticks to the teeth, or that contains a lot of sugar.
Parents should keep themselves informed about dental hygiene, visit the dentist every six months, and in case the children need it, visit the dentist more frequently.
Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)
Preschool age is similar to toddlers, with the difference that preschoolers can begin to wash themselves, almost as a game. Children at this age need to continue to develop the habit of brushing their teeth three times a day.
To support them in creating good hygiene habits, parents can play music, stories, and apps, and find other ways to engage preschoolers in brushing their teeth.
Again, dental visits should be every six months, unless children have a lot of cavities, poor dental hygiene, or poor eating habits.
At this stage, visits to the dentist for thumb-sucking issues are also frequent.
Schoolers (Ages 6-12)
School-age involves the falling out of baby teeth, making it crucial that children have regular visits to the dentist at this stage.
At this age, the dentist will probably put sealants on the molars to strengthen them.
In addition, parents are encouraged to take their children to an orthodontist when the permanent teeth and molars begin to erupt. Additionally, to prevent accidental tooth loss, children should wear mouthguards when playing some sports.
If children have many cavities, visits to the dentist should be frequent. If the teeth are healthy and the parents and children follow the recommendations for dental hygiene, one visit every six months will suffice.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18)
As children approach adulthood, it is necessary to evaluate whether wisdom teeth should be extracted. Additionally, many teens have to wear braces or other forms of orthodontic correction at this age.
The frequency of visits to the dentist will continue to be every six months, but will be shortened depending on some factors:
- If they need regular orthodontic adjustments.
- If they don’t brush their teeth on a regular basis.
- Whether they eat a lot of junk food or sweets.
- If they need other treatments, such as wisdom teeth removal.
- If they have a lot of cavities.
Teenagers may need reminders to brush their teeth, but in general, dental hygiene habits form in childhood. Teenagers benefit most from having role models who care for their teeth at home.
FAQ for parents
Below, we present you with some frequently asked questions for parents:
Your first visit: How to prepare my kid for the dentist?
Parents can help prepare their kids for their first visit to the dentist by playing games, showing videos, and explaining in a calm manner what is going to happen. It is essential for parents to create a good relationship with the dentist and show their kids that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
How can I help my child develop good oral hygiene habits?
Set an example. If parents brush their teeth frequently and develop a routine for their kids, they will develop good hygiene habits too.
What are the best practices for brushing children’s teeth?
Parents need to create routines for brushing children’s teeth. They can angle the brush 45 degrees so that the gums are properly cleaned. Remember that children need supervision until they are at least seven years old.
How often should I replace my child’s toothbrush?
As a rule of thumb, parents need to replace toothbrushes every three months, or when the bristles start to fray. Additionally, parents must ensure that the toothbrush is thoroughly rinsed and dry after each use.
Should my dentist cure baby teeth?
Yes, the dentist should cure baby teeth. However, if a baby tooth is about to fall or if the treatment is too complex or costly, the dentist should consult with the parents to decide on each tooth.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
It is recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. When there are some risk factors involved, such as poor hygiene, the visits should become more frequent.
Visit the Dentist
Parents should support their children in the different stages of their development, and take them to the dentist at least every six months to ensure their dental health. Parents and children need to visit the dentist on a regular basis.
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