First Check-Up

A first checkup refers to the very first time your child sees a dentist for care. Every child is different, but dentists often recommend a child attends a first checkup by 12 months of age or within six months of their first tooth erupting. First checkups offer a variety of benefits for your child and allow their specialist to detect oral health problems before complications develop.

During your child’s first checkup at Solomon Family Dentistry, they relax in a comfortable dental chair. Friendly dental providers meet with you and your child to review their medical history; examine their teeth, gums, and mouth; and discuss their usual diet and other lifestyle habits.

Solomon Family Dentistry specialists can take dental X-rays if needed, but they aren’t usually necessary in babies and young kids. If your child has teeth, their provider gently cleans the teeth using specialized dental tools and procedures. Doing so removes tartar and plaque in hard-to-reach areas. 

If your dentist detects tooth decay or other oral health issues, they offer treatments to correct the problem and prevent complications from developing. 

They also provide information regarding infant feeding practices, childhood teeth cleaning, and baby bottle tooth decay, as well as finger-sucking habits and pacifier use. Your child’s first dental visit usually lasts about 30-45 minutes, but every patient is different. 

Adopting proper teeth-cleaning habits at home is the best way to reduce tooth decay and other oral health issues in babies and young children. Before your baby’s first teeth come in, clean their mouth and tongue using a damp cloth. 

You can brush their mouth or teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste. Begin using fluoride toothpaste when your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste or if your dentist gives you the okay.

Avoid giving babies a bottle of juice or milk when they lie down before bedtime to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Help young children brush their teeth until they turn seven or eight years old to ensure their teeth get cleaned properly and limit soda, juices, other sugary drinks, candies, and other sweets to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.

To schedule your child’s first checkup at Solomon Family Dentistry, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.