When Is It Time to Start Bringing My Child to the Dentist?

As a parent, you’re constantly juggling questions about what’s best for your child. One question you might be wondering is when you should begin regular dental appointments for your child. Carol Scuro, DMD, Bradford Emery, DMD, and Nicholas Emery, DDS, at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC in Rochester, New York, offer comprehensive care for the whole family, including children’s dentistry.

18 months: First visit

The Emery & Scuro DMD, PC team sees children beginning at 18 months of age. That may sound early, but this first visit is about more than just checking for cavities. It's a chance to get your child comfortable with the dentist and set a foundation for lifelong oral health.

Even though they’re tiny, baby teeth can still be vulnerable to decay. In fact, our team of dental experts is seeing a growing number of cases of early childhood caries, or baby bottle tooth decay. Your child’s first dental visit helps us identify potential problems early. It gives you tools to care for your baby’s smile through the years.

What to expect at the first appointment

We’ll make your child’s first visit quick and gentle to get them used to the office, the chair, and the lights. Your child’s dentist examines inside their mouth to ensure everything is developing properly.

Here’s what you can expect during that first appointment:

• A gentle exam of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw
• Guidance on teething, thumb sucking, and proper brushing techniques
• A chance to ask questions about your child’s diet and dental milestones

We’ll also help you learn how to clean your child’s first little teeth at home. This visit sets the tone for a positive relationship with preventive and proactive dental care, which is so important as your child grows.

Building healthy habits early

Even though baby teeth are going to eventually fall out, it’s just as important to help your little one clean and care for them as you do for your adult teeth. Baby teeth are placeholders for adult teeth and are critical for proper speech development, chewing, and your child’s self-esteem as they get a little bit older. 

By bringing your child to the dentist early, you're helping them:

• Feel comfortable in a dental setting
• Understand the importance of taking care of their oral health
• Prevent cavities and gum disease

Just like well-child visits with your pediatrician, regular dental appointments are checkups for your child’s oral health. To set the stage for a lifelong healthy smile, call our kid-friendly staff at 585-684-8423 or request an appointment online today.