Regardless of age, regular visits to the dentist are a vital component of strong oral health. It’s during these visits that a dentist gets an opportunity to comprehensively assess the state of our teeth, gums, and jawbone, and preemptively identify and treat minor issues before they become big problems.
All of this is hugely important for adults with fully-formed teeth, gums, and maxillofacial structures and (hopefully!) well-established at-home dental care routines. Now consider just how vital this is for children whose bodies are still developing and whose knowledge of how to take care of their dental health and commitment to doing so are still works in progress!
Today, we’re discussing how often you should schedule your children’s regular visits to the dentist and some factors that could necessitate more frequent visits.
When and How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child’s first dental exam coincide with the earlier of their first birthday or the eruption of their first tooth. After this, beginning at around age 4, it is recommended that children see the dentist approximately every six months.
This allows a dentist to monitor the development of their teeth and bones, quickly and painlessly provide preventive care like cleanings and fluoride applications, and help to instill an appreciation for the importance of good dental health practices and reduce anxiety about dental visits.
However, the frequency of these visits can vary based on certain needs and oral health issues:
- Age – Younger children require more frequent visits to monitor their oral development and address any concerns early on.
- Oral Health – Children with a history of tooth decay or gum issues will need to visit the dentist more frequently.
- Dental Habits – For children with healthy diets and especially strong at-home oral hygiene habits and, checkups every six months may be sufficient. However, for kids with greater dental health concerns more frequent visits may be necessary.
- Orthodontic Treatment – Children requiring orthodontic treatments like braces will require more frequent visits for adjustments and progress monitoring.
Children’s Dentistry in Pacifica, CA
If you’re in the Pacifica area and would like to schedule your children’s next teeth cleaning and dental exam, contact dentist Dr. Ryan Henspetter and the Cabrillo Family Dental Care team to schedule an appointment!