Dental health plays a large role in our overall physical health. This is why you need to take your kids to the dentist to catch and prevent problems with their teeth. If you are a new mother, you may wonder when is the best time to take your kid to the dentist. There are a few things that you should know, and this article highlights them. Let’s get into it.

Baby’s first visit 

Many Dental Cleaning Austin experts recommend taking your baby to the hospital within six months of their life. Most children develop their first tooth within this time, while others have theirs before they are 12 months old. However, if you still have some questions about how to take care of your baby’s teeth, you can visit the dentist to get information on how to clean your baby’s mouth and infant feeding practices.

The dentist can also tell you the causes of baby bottle decay and what to do when your baby is teething. If your baby sucks his finger, some dentists also offer guidance to help.

Getting ready for the appointment 

If you have chosen a date to visit the dentist with your child, you should do a few things to get ready for the appointment. Most experts recommend choosing early morning appointments for children because it is when they are most alert. 

If your baby is much older, you can talk to them about what will happen during the appointment and why it’s essential to see your dentist. As a parent, you also need to be informed and prepared before visiting the dentist. It helps to keep a journal of your child’s dental health, such as when the first tooth came in. It may also be important to talk about the baby’s hand-sucking habits or the use of a pacifier with the dentist.

Feeling anxious during the first visit is normal because you may worry that something may go wrong. You’re not alone in this, but try not to show that fear because it will also make your child anxious. In the long run, this may affect how your child perceives dentists.

What to expect during the visit

Your child’s behavior may change during the visits to the dentist because they’re probably not used to being around strangers. In some cases, you will not be able to determine how your child reacts to the dentist. However, some general age-appropriate behavior can give you an idea of what to expect.

For example, if your child is between 10 and 24 months, they may get upset, especially if they’re attached to you. Kids who are older than one year and almost 3 years old may cope better but be uncooperative. All the children who are both four years old may be able to cooperate with the dentist, even if their parents are not in the room. 

During your very first visit, you can play a large role in helping your child to be more comfortable. The visit lasts for less than an hour, and the dentist will examine the jaw teeth, gum, and bite. During this visit, most dentists will show you how to floss for your child and clean their teeth properly. Also, if necessary, the dentist will recommend X-rays to spot any potential issues.