By Joseph Brier, DMD, Dental Care of Lucas

As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life, and that includes taking care of their smiles. A common question we hear is, “When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?” The answer may be earlier than you think.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in - whichever comes first. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a very important role in your child’s health. They help with chewing, speech development, and saving space for permanent teeth. Early visits also help parents learn the best ways to clean their child’s teeth and prevent cavities from the very beginning.

You may be wondering why a dental visit is necessary at such a young age. The truth is, cavities can start as soon as teeth appear. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood conditions - but it’s also highly preventable. An early dental visit allows your dentist to check for any problems, offer guidance on nutrition and oral hygiene, and apply preventive treatments if needed.

There’s another big benefit to starting dental visits early: comfort. A child who visits the dentist as a baby or toddler usually grows up viewing the dental office as a friendly, safe place. This helps prevent fear or anxiety later on and makes dental care part of their normal routine.

At your child’s first visit, the dentist will keep things simple and stress-free. The appointment often includes a gentle exam, a look at how the teeth are coming in, and tips on brushing, fluoride, and healthy eating habits. Parents will also have a chance to ask questions about thumb sucking, teething, and anything else on their mind.

The bottom line: don’t wait until there’s a problem. By bringing your child to the dentist around age one, you’re helping set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Early prevention is always easier - and less stressful - than treatment later on.

So if your child has a first tooth or first birthday coming up, it’s the perfect time to schedule that first dental visit!

You can find us at dentalcareoflucas.com