(It's Earlier Than You Think)

Many children end up with a mouthful of cavities or serious plaque build-up by age 4 or 5 because that was their first trip to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by the time they are one year old. Children should continue seeing the dentist every six months or more often if they have specific oral issues.
 

Baby Teeth Are Important

A child's baby teeth are important to lifelong oral health. The primary teeth:
 

• Help children chew correctly to ensure proper nutrition
• Are an essential part of speech development
• Help save space for permanent teeth

Your child's baby teeth typically start to come in between six and twelve months, but the age can vary.
Teething can be very uncomfortable, and your child may be fussy, as well as drooling excessively. By the time your child reaches three years old, he or she will have 20 primary teeth, but you shouldn't wait until this point to visit the dentist, because good and early oral hygiene will protect the gums and foster a healthy environment for the teeth to grow.

Gentle Smiles of Colorado, a children's dentist, recommends early dental visits to teach the proper techniques for brushing and flossing, helping parents learn the best ways to help care for their children's teeth, and to develop a routine and positive association with going to the dentist.
 

Your First Visit to Gentle Smiles of Colorado

  When you bring your child into our family dentist office, we'll first spend some time getting to know you and your child to establish a comfortable environment. We will then conduct a gentle exam looking for early signs of tooth decay or any other issues. If your child needs any treatment, we will thoroughly review what is needed and why.

We will then discuss your child's diet, eating habits, and good oral hygiene practices to prevent tooth decay. We will also provide you with tips for effective cleaning and brushing your child's teeth.
 

Make an Appointment with Your Denver, Golden and Wheat Ridge, Colorado Dentist Today!

Your child's first dental visit is essential to get them on the right track for good oral health. Contact us to schedule your child's first visit. Along with providing premier dental treatment, our doctors and staff work to ensure a positive experience for your child, and we are happy to answer all of your questions.