As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. It is recommended that you plan a visit to the dentist every six months after their first visit, to catch small problems early.
Early dental care for your child allows the dentist to tell you if crooked or crowded teeth may cause problems later on.
Also, getting to the dentist as your child’s permanent molars just come in means that your dentist can suggest sealing them to protect from cavities. A sealant is a kind of plastic that is put on the chewing surface of the molars. The plastic seals the tooth and makes it less likely to trap food and germs.
Children’s dental care at home should start even before your child has teeth – it gives baby teeth a clean place to come into. Here’s what to do:
- Lay your baby in a comfortable place.
- Make sure you can see into your baby’s mouth.
- Use a soft baby brush or wrap your finger in a clean, damp washcloth. Then, brush or wipe your baby’s gums and teeth.
DO NOT use toothpaste until your child has teeth.