When Should I Take My Toddler to the Dentist?
Understanding The AAPD’s Recommendations
The answer may surprise you because it’s earlier than you might think! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you bring your child to see a dentist after their first tooth comes out, but no later than 12 months of age.
This may seem early to see a dentist, but bringing your toddler to the dentist for checkups from an early age has a number of benefits. They’ll be more familiar with the process of seeing the dentist, and Dr. Richard will be able to track their oral health and development more closely as they grow older.
How Do I Take Care of My Toddler’s Teeth?
Steps for Success
Brush
Start brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled baby toothbrush as soon as they begin to erupt.
Start Habits
Clean their gums and teeth every time they feed to remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque.
Schedule a Visit
See Dr. Richard for a dental appointment and teeth cleaning every six months to ensure their smile remains healthy and strong as they grow.
What Is a Dental Home?
Understanding the Basics
A “dental home” is a concept used in pediatric dentistry to refer to the dental office where your child will receive the majority of their dental care as they grow and mature. Ideally, your child should see the same dentist to receive pediatric dental care throughout their childhood.
A dental home allows your child to develop a real relationship with their dentist and the staff at a particular dental office. This means they’ll be less nervous and anxious about going to the dentist because it will be more familiar.
Seeing Dr. Richard regularly at Milpitas Children’s Dentistry will also ensure that he can learn more about the unique challenges that face your child’s oral health and track changes in their oral development over the years. This leads to a higher overall level of personalized patient care.
By using preventive treatments, learning more about your kids and their dental health, and focusing on avoiding common issues like gum disease and cavities, a “dental home” like Milpitas Children’s Dentistry can provide you with better overall care and service.
Are X-Rays Safe for Toddlers?
Everything You Need to Know
Dental x-rays are safe for children of all ages, including toddlers. However, they are not usually routinely recommended for kids under 4 years old. In other words. Dr. Richard will only recommend that your toddler get x-rays if he suspects they have an oral health issue, like a cavity, that is not detectable by a visual examination alone.
If your child does need an x-ray, we use low-dosage digital x-rays to ensure minimal radiation exposure, lead aprons, and other precautions to keep your child safe. In fact, the x-ray process exposes kids to less radiation than adults, because their teeth are smaller, requiring a shorter exposure time.
Rest assured that we will only recommend x-rays if Dr. Richard thinks they are truly necessary. We will only take them with your approval, and we will ensure your toddler remains safe throughout the procedure.