How Often Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

Scheduling regular oral exams and preventive teeth cleanings is key to preventing cavities and gum disease. This rule applies to people of all ages, but if your kids are little, you may wonder when to schedule their first appointment and how often checkups are necessary.

At Fluegge Family Dentistry in East Wenatchee, Washington, Dr. Matthew Fluegge and our team provide general dentistry to kids of all ages. This blog offers key insights to help your child’s oral health stay on track.

Why pediatric dentistry matters

Pediatric dentistry provides high-quality oral healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Even though most babies don’t get all their teeth until age two or three, visiting the dentist beforehand is key to ensuring their mouth stays healthy.

Routine checkups can identify potential problems, such as cavities, monitor the development of the teeth and jaws, and help foster a positive attitude toward the dentist and oral healthcare. As your child ages, these checkups can also teach them how to brush and floss to reduce the risk of common oral health problems. 

When should my child first visit the dentist?

We encourage all parents to schedule their child’s first dental appointment within six months of their baby’s first tooth coming in. Alternatively, you can make an appointment for your child within a week or two of their first birthday. 

Even though your little one may not have a full mouth of teeth yet, this initial checkup can provide insights on:

• Teething
• Finger sucking
• Pacifier use
• Infant feeding
• Baby bottle tooth decay

Likewise, a baby’s first dental visit allows you, the parent, to ask questions and/or address specific concerns. For example, you may notice that one or more of your child’s teeth are crooked or misaligned. Identifying issues like these early on can reduce the risk of problems later and keep your child’s mouth healthy. 

Routine dental checkups promote good oral health

Scheduling your baby’s first dental visit is key to oral well-being, but it’s only the first step. To keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, routine visits to Fluegge Family Dentistry are necessary. 

Although every child’s needs vary, we typically encourage parents to schedule pediatric dentistry appointments every six months. Your child may need more frequent appointments if they have misaligned teeth or a history of dental problems, like cavities and gum disease.

Scheduling routine checkups may seem like a hassle, but it’s the easiest and most effective way to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright. A study published in the medical journal BDJ Open concluded that people who visit the dentist regularly have fewer cavities, are less likely to miss teeth, and have better oral health than those who don’t. 

We’re committed to your child’s well-being

If your infant just got their first tooth, or it's been more than six months since your child’s last dental visit, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with our caring team. Following an oral exam and dental X-rays, we can develop a treatment plan to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Call Fluegge Family Dentistry at 509-888-3384 to schedule, or book online today.