Many parents question the purpose of even visiting the dentist in the first year of their child's life. After all, most children don't even have a full set of twenty baby teeth until age three, so what's the importance? Getting an understanding of what your child's first dental visit may entail can help to set you straight regarding your baby's oral health (and why it's so important to start so early). Continue reading to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare for your child's first dental visit:

Proper Preparedness

Having a dentist inspect your baby's existing teeth and mouth within their second year of life (at age one) is often not done for the same reasons you may visit the dentist on an annual basis. While you may not see the importance of an appointment when all of the teeth have yet to grow in, visiting a pediatric dentist is about being proactive before any problems occur. Just as you make seeing your child's doctor a preventative priority in your schedule, oral health is equally as important.

Talking to your child about what to expect (even through the use of cartoons or books) can help to reduce any fears they may have regarding the visit. Additionally, your child's first dental appointment is your chance to ask your pediatric dentist specific questions for which you need answers-- so prepare beforehand by writing down some specific questions you may be pondering. Consider asking about the schedule for upcoming teeth that haven't yet broken through the gums, any teething tips to reduce pain that your baby may be feeling while teeth grow in, and how to prevent cavities even at the early age.

The Examination

Although a baby's dental examination is certainly not as rigorous as one for an adult, the few standard checks completed by the dentist are just as important to insure your child's oral health. During the first visit, you can expect the dental expert to do the following:

• Examine your child's mouth fully, checking the teeth that have already grown in for any problems and the gums for any potentially inflamed or swollen sections that could cause issues.
• Clean your child's teeth using fluoride and special instruments designed to be gentle on young teeth.
• Brush the baby's teeth and explain some tips to help you do the same in the future on your own.

To learn more, contact a company like Myriam Cerezo DMD with any questions or concerns you have.