When to Bring Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist in Mesquite

You fell in love with your baby’s smile the first time you saw it; that precious, gummy grin stole your heart. You want to make sure to care for that sweet smile so it stays healthy as your little one continues to grow, and a dental professional can help you do that. Let’s talk about when your child should have their first checkup by a pediatric dentist in Mesquite and how you can tell if you should bring your little one in for an emergency visit.

Baby’s First Dental Visit

Many parents don’t bring their child to the dentist for the first time until the child is over two years old. However, that is a serious mistake. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies have their initial dental visit before their first birthday, or within six months of when the first tooth erupts.

This first checkup is an important milestone in your baby’s development, and it will help the dentist identify any potential problems while they’re still in the early stages. The appointment is also your opportunity to ask the dentist any questions you might have about how to care for your child’s oral health. For example, you may wonder how to soothe your baby’s teething pains. The dentist might suggest that you:

• Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to massage your baby’s gums
• Give your baby a chilled teething ring to chew on (just make sure it isn’t completely frozen)
• Administer a low dose of children’s Tylenol or another OTC painkiller (consult a doctor about finding a safe dosage amount for your child)

Emergency Dental Visits

As your little one grows, you should bring them to their children’s dentist in Mesquite every six months for a checkup. However, if something goes awry with your child’s oral health, you shouldn’t wait until their next scheduled exam to get professional help for them. Some situations that may warrant an emergency dental visit include:

• Your child broke a tooth
• You notice swelling or other signs of injury or infection in your child’s mouth
• An object gets lodged between your child’s teeth
• Your child is complaining of a toothache or other serious discomfort in their mouth

It’s also important to bring your child to the dentist if one of their primary teeth gets knocked out altogether. Although these teeth eventually fall out anyway, your dentist should still examine the site of the injury to make sure there is no nerve damage or other complications that could endanger your child’s long-term oral health.

Don’t let your child be a stranger at their dentist’s office. Frequent oral health checkups, starting from a young age, can help your little one enjoy a lifetime of happy, sound smiles.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Our practice is proud to have 11 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We provide gentle, expert care for entire families, including young children. If you would like to learn more about how we can look after your baby’s smile, contact us via our website or call one of our offices.