One question we are often asked is “when should I start bringing my child to the dentist?” We would typically recommend starting your child’s dental visits when they are about 18 months – 24 months old, although any time after their first teeth come through is not inappropriate.

There might be people thinking that this is overkill, and it’s unlikely that any child even 24 months old would have any decay, however dental check-up is about so much more than just finding and repairing decay. The fact that Medicare’s Child Dental Benefit Scheme is eligible for children from the age of 2, and that health funds will pay benefits even younger, supports the fact that there is value in these visits even for very young children.

Some of the main reasons for dental visits for young children are:

First dental visit | Kedron Family Dental

Some of the main reasons for dental visits for young children are:

  • Get the child used to visitingthe dentist
    In past years, visiting the dentist was something that scared a lot of people, and that mentality in many instances has carried on through the generations.  Dentistry is so different and so much more comfortable now, that there is no reason to avoid it.  Allowing a young child to experience it for themselves will help them create and maintain a positive attitude towards dentists throughout their lives.
  • Ensure their first experiences are positive.
    When a child’s first visit is because of a toothache and they need a filling or an extraction, there is a lot of potential trauma that comes with that, which can lead to avoidance in the future.  By starting visits earlyit helps to build a positive association with dentistry that can pay huge dividends in later years.
  • Parent education
    In many instances, early visits are as much for the parents as they are for the child.  Despite our best intentions, our children don’t come with a manual and we sometimes we get it wrong.  Getting our visits started early gives parents a chance to speak with the dentist about any question or concerns they might have.  The dentist will also be able to give parents feedback as to whether they’re on the right track, and identify areas they might be able to improve, not just with cleaning, but in feeding, and dietary habits, and so on.

If it’s time for your child’s first dental visit, or if you had any further questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (07) 3379 1328