Starting Early
I recommend a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. These early visits are low-pressure and focused on getting your child comfortable in the chair, checking for early decay, and giving you guidance on brushing, teething, and diet — not on doing extensive work.
Common Concerns for Kids
Cavities in baby teeth are common and worth treating, even though those teeth will eventually fall out — they hold space for adult teeth and support healthy chewing and speech in the meantime. Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and mouth breathing are also worth mentioning at visits, since they can affect how teeth and jaws develop if they continue past a certain age.
Tips for Parents
Help kids brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, supervising until they have the coordination to brush well on their own — usually around age 6 to 8. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipped throughout the day, makes a real difference. Sealants on molars can also add extra protection against cavities in hard-to-clean back teeth.
Questions About This?
I'm always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call the office or book a visit anytime.