Infants and toddlers live in a world full of firsts. First words, first haircuts, first trips to the dentist. Yes, even young children can benefit from routine dental exams early in life! That’s why Neumann & Bohrer Family Dentistry offers dental exams for any child, regardless of their age, who are already starting to sprout a few teeth.
These early visits will not only help the dentist know exactly how your child’s teeth are developing, but also give your baby a chance to get used to going to the dentist and all that’s involved. After all, the more positive experiences young children have with their dentist, the less likely they’re going to be to experience crippling dental anxiety in the future.
What’s Involved in a 1-Year-Old Dental Exam?
When your child is young, the main goal of the dental exam is to establish a baseline for their oral health and to help you better understand how to care for their developing mouth. After all, children have an entirely different oral health picture than most adults. Routine cleanings are important even for tiny teeth, as cavities can and do develop in baby teeth as well as adult teeth.
If cavities or early gum disease are left untreated in children, it can set them up for a lifetime of dental woes. But addressing these issues early and correcting the behaviors that contribute to specific dental conditions will ensure your kids will have a healthy mouth well into adulthood.
Easing Dental Anxiety in Small Children
It’s important that your children see the dentist early and often to ensure that they’re comfortable coming back again and again. This may mean having routine exams and cleanings, but it can also involve bringing your child with you to dental appointments so they can observe your calm demeanor when the dentist is examining your mouth.
When a parent or other adult shows children that going to the dentist is a normal part of life, it goes a long way to instill confidence and trust in the dental profession.