Children’s Dentistry – La Plata, MD

What Is the First Visit Like?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first checkup when the first tooth comes in, or around age 1. These visits ease your child into routine dental care and won’t include X-rays or a cleaning until ages 3-5.

Dr. Hochman and Dr. Betaharon will start by reviewing your child’s medical history before doing a thorough visual exam to make sure there isn’t any tooth decay and that the bite alignment is normal. They’ll also give you personalized tips and tricks for how to prevent cavities and will discuss the following topics as needed:

• The best products to use and whether fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate
• Infant feeding practices and how to avoid baby bottle tooth decay
• Teething
• Pacifier use and thumb-sucking

Finally, they’ll answer any questions you may have before your child gets a new toothbrush and toy, which usually becomes their favorite part of the visit!

When Will Your Child’s Teeth Come In?

The “tooth eruption schedule” can vary quite a bit among individual children, but the first baby teeth usually come in between 6-9 months and all the baby teeth are typically in by age 3.

The first permanent teeth (the molars) start erupting between 4-6 years and all the permanent teeth are usually in by age 13 (except the wisdom teeth, which come in between ages 15-25).

The Importance of Regular Checkups For Kids

The baby teeth will fall out at some point, but they’re still critical to your child’s current and future oral health. Here are just some of the reasons to make sure they stay healthy:

• Normal development of the permanent teeth – If the baby teeth are affected by large cavities or other problems and have to be taken out prematurely, there’s a good chance the permanent teeth won’t come in properly.
• Normal function – The last baby teeth remain until around age 12 and kids need them to stay strong and healthy throughout that time so they can eat and speak normally.
• Self-confidence – Children with dental problems often struggle with self-esteem. Good oral health helps your child smile and laugh with confidence, which is an important part of any childhood.

With high-quality children’s dentistry from the start, you can lay the foundation of great oral health for the rest of your child’s life.