People usually think of a newborn baby as having no teeth.  But the 20 primary (baby) teeth will erupt in the next two and a half years are already present in the baby’s jaw at birth.  Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth — for chewing, speaking, and appearance.  They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth.

Thus, proper oral hygiene is one of the most vital concerns for children.  Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.  The pediatric dentists at First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics encourage parents to schedule their children’s first appointment during this time — and here are a few reasons why:

“We recommend that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.”

Avoid Early Tooth Decay

As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. While children ultimately end up losing their first set of teeth, the health of those teeth is crucial for general health and proper speech development. Furthermore, early tooth decay can significantly complicate the development of healthy adult teeth and causes other problems.  Sometimes if a primary tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or shift into the vacant space causing the new tooth to emerge in an abnormal position.

Promote Good Dental Care Habits Early On 

Fostering a routine for children is the best way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and confidence. If they learn they need to brush and floss regularly and the importance of dental visits, it won’t be a struggle later in life when they start to take more responsibility for their own health.

Eliminate Fear of the Dentist 

Like a pediatrician, pediatric dentists specialize in the oral health care of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists also attend 2-3 additional years of specialized training in children’s behavior, growth, and development but not every child has an easy time visiting the pediatric dentist, especially for the first time. But if a “Dental Home” and trust can be established early on; the transition will be much easier.  Talk about the visit in a positive, informative manner, as you would any new experience.  Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps them take good care of their teeth.

To help with their children’s anxiety, First Impressions’ pediatric dental offices are filled with primary colors and incorporate large play areas, popular TV programs, permanent Xbox or Playstation videogame stations, iPads and areas where families can sit together and read.

If it’s time to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry invites you to see why they’re one of the top pediatric dental offices in the Green Bay and Appleton area. They have offices in Suamico, Bellevue (Opening Spring 2017) and Appleton.  Call (844)-FID-KIDS (343-5437) for questions, or visit them online at www.fidkids.com for more information or to request an appointment online.