How Often Does a Child Need to Visit the Dentist?

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It is very important to start dental care as early as possible. If you have kids, you should be careful to provide the right care for your child’s teeth. This raises the question of what proper care is. The dental needs of children are not necessarily the same as for adults. In particular, many people wonder how often a child should visit a pediatric dentist. Take a look at this guide for the answer to this question.

When to Visit

The short answer to the question of how often a child should visit the dentist is every six months. This is generally the right amount for most children, but it is not uncommon for certain children to have different needs. You should ask your child’s dentist what the right number of visits per year is for your child. If he or she has personalized needs, then the dentist may recommend visiting one or two extra times every year.

The Periodontist

While young children do not need to make a special trip to a periodontist in most cases, the first trip to this specialist should be made relatively early. Every child is different, but the first trip should usually be made when the child is around 6 or 7 years old. The goal is for the first visit to correspond to the growth of permanent teeth. If your child’s baby teeth are starting to get loose, this is something you should start considering.

Once again, this is something your regular dentist can advise on. Additionally, many dentists specialize in both general dental health and periodontology. There is a chance your child’s dentist can handle his or her needs alone.

General Health

Just like an adult, children should be brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. The earlier children develop these good habits, the better. Even before a child develops teeth, however, you should be mindful of dental health. It is recommended that infants and toddlers who have not developed teeth yet have their gums cleaned with a wet cloth in the place of brushing. If your child has special needs, then your dentist will be able to provide advice on how to care for his or her dental needs. 

With the help of your dental professional and good reinforcement of proper dental habits, your child can grow up to have excellent dental health. Whatever issues that may arise can be dealt with if they are addressed early. The first step is to find a family dentist, like a family dentist in Apex, NC, who you trust fully.

Thanks to Alliance Dentistry for their insight into some of the basics of pediatric dentistry.