Your child's first year will be filled with momentous milestones. That all-important first year is when many babies learn to stand, when they learn to wave goodbye, and when they learn to say simple words, such as "mama." It's also around this time that your child should have their first visit to a pediatric dentist in Columbus. This means scheduling an appointment with Hines Little Smiles.
As a leading pediatric dentist in New Albany and Columbus, Hines Little Smiles has friendly and experienced clinicians on hand to examine your baby's teeth and to answer questions regarding your child's oral health. You'll learn how to practice good baby dental hygiene and how to manage the discomfort of teething. You'll learn about your child's teeth and what to do when they begin erupting. And if your child has already welcomed their first tooth, as many babies have at this age, we'll help you care for it better.
These are just a few of the important conversations you can expect to have at your child's first dental appointment, but they're far from the only ones. There are many reasons to start your baby on the road to good dental health practices, and as your child's first dentist, we'll be there to guide you all the way.
All children should have a visit to the dentist on or near their first birthday, but if your child's first tooth erupts early, it's time to make the call. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, children who have preventive dental care early on have several advantages:
But that first dental appointment is good for you, too. As a parent, you'll want to know how to keep your baby's teeth and gums clean and healthy, and you may want guidance regarding common childhood issues, such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use. You'll find these answers at the pediatric dentist, where you can begin establishing valuable habits that will benefit you and your baby for life.
Timing, as they say, is everything. Some babies have their first tooth by the time they're six months old. Others can be well over a year. Both scenarios are completely normal. But if your baby has reached the wise old age of one year without a tooth, it's still time to see the dentist. This isn't because anything is wrong, but because it's simply time to begin establishing those good oral health habits.
Absolutely not. No two children are the same, and nothing good ever comes from comparing one 12-month-old to another. In fact, it may only add to your stress and worry. Parenting is hard, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time, and there's no need to make it harder by comparing your infant to the little girl or boy down the street.
Luckily, your pediatric dentist in Columbus can contribute to your dental health awareness and set your mind at ease. At your child's first dental appointment, you can ask questions like these and get honest, informed answers from the experts who know babies best.
During your child's first dental visit, you should expect to make a happy connection with dental professionals who care almost as much about your child as you do. You should expect to share concerns and questions and get knowledgeable answers. And you should expect to learn a lot, too. Pediatric dentistry, while still focused on caring for the teeth and gums, is vastly different from dentistry for adults. A few things to expect at a first pediatric dental appointment include:
Generally, your pediatric dentist will want to see your baby about every six months or so, after that initial visit. This is to ensure teeth are coming in properly and to clean and properly care for your child's teeth and gums. And if your child has specific needs or struggles with extreme dental anxiety, we're always ready with extra-special care.
When it's time for your baby to visit the dentist, give Hines Little Smiles a call, or find us locally at one of many community dental events. A member of our friendly and courteous staff will be happy to set up a convenient time for you and your infant to drop in for that all-important first dental appointment. And once you're an established patient, we'd love to be your child's dentist until they transition into adulthood. You'll have peace of mind knowing a pediatric professional is only a phone call away when emergencies arise.
Contact us today to get your child the quality dental care they need, when they need it most.
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
