When Should Your Child See a Dentist?
Pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend that children see the dentist for the first time by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early dental exams are essential for detecting any potential developmental problems and establishing good oral hygiene habits. By starting dental visits early, parents can help ensure their child's teeth, orofacial anatomy, and oral development are healthy and forming correctly.
Your Child’s First Dental Checkup
At Young Smiles, we understand that a child's first dental visit can be intimidating, which is why we take the time to get to know each child and make them feel comfortable. A first dental visit is like a well-baby check-up, and we will focus on education and prevention inside an environment catered to children. Our goal is to make each visit a positive experience for both the child and the parent so that visiting our pediatric dentist in Arlington can be a fun experience for everyone.
During your child’s appointment, Dr. Natalie Muir-Young will perform a comprehensive examination to assess the child's oral health and oral function. We will check for any signs of tooth decay, tongue ties, tooth eruption patterns, jaw development, and other potential issues. We will also take the time to educate parents on proper oral hygiene habits for children and answer any questions they may have.
Our dentist in Arlington even sees children as young as newborns for tongue and lip tie correction. Otherwise, most children visit us around their first birthday and every six months after that.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Scheduling your child's first dental visit at a young age is essential for establishing good oral hygiene habits and detecting any potential issues early while they’re easier to correct. At Young Smiles in Arlington, VA, we are committed to providing a welcoming, child-friendly environment for children of all ages.
If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Arlington for your child's first (or next) dental visit, contact us today to schedule.
