Children aren’t always the best at brushing and flossing their teeth. Regardless of how well you teach them, they’re bound to miss those hard-to-reach spots on occasion. But how often should your child have a dental cleaning? Our advice: it is so important to take your children in for a dental cleaning at least once every six months.

This interval ensures that your dentist can catch potential problems before they become serious. It also allows your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth as they age. By visiting your dentist at least twice a year, you’re giving your family the best opportunity for a lifetime of strong, beautiful teeth. Visiting a top children’s dentist will keep their smile bright.

When Should Visits Begin?

Knowing how often should your child have a dental cleaning is vital. But when should they start? Children usually get their first teeth at around six months old. It’s a key stage in their development, so it is important to take special care of their baby teeth. As the teeth come in, you can start cleaning them after feedings with a wet cloth or very soft brush. Be gentle, and keep in mind that toothpaste should not be used on children under the age of two.

The emergence of your child’s first teeth is the perfect time to find the right pediatric dentist for your family. You can ask them for advice if you’re unsure of how to clean your child’s teeth, and it those early conversations will give you the chance to start building the relationship that will continue through your baby’s childhood. Once you’ve had a couple of interactions with your pediatric dentist and decided they’re right for you, then you should schedule your baby’s first dentist visit. This appointment should occur about six months after the emergence of your baby’s first tooth.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

At about a year old, your child is too young for a complete dental cleaning. However, the appointment is still crucial. It is important because that first appointment gives your Cerritos dentist the chance to evaluate your baby’s current development. In fact, your first couple appointments are primarily designated for making sure that your baby’s teeth are growing in normally. Without these regular evaluations, you may not catch complications that could affect your baby’s health and comfort.

Getting Your Child Used to the Dentist

The first few dental appointments your child has will set the stage for how they relate to their dentist in the future. Therefore, it is really important that you choose a pediatric dentist who helps you to feel comfortable during the process. If you’re calm, then there is a much greater chance that your child will also remain calm.

You should also remember that the dentist can be a scary place for children. There are so many new people, smells, and sounds. The whole process can be quite overwhelming. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take your child to the dentist’s office a few times when they don’t have an appointment if you’re able.

Desensitizing Your Child to the Dentist’s Office

Desensitization is just a fancy way of saying that you’re getting your child used to the dentist’s office by going there when nothing scary is happening. All you have to do is walk through the door at Jesmine Boghawala DDS, greet the receptionist, and sit down with your child for a few minutes before leaving. You may take these few minutes to engage them in play or some other positive activity.

If your child is a bit bolder, you may even encourage them to interact with the front desk staff if the office isn’t too busy. Even a little bit of exposure and positive association can make a huge difference in the way your child reacts to the dentist’s office, setting them up for a future where they feel comfortable going to the dentist as needed.