Almost every expectant parent will have to bring their child to a dentist at least once. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the 1st dental visit to be no later than a child’s 1st birthday.
By the age of one year old, a child should have at least 4-5 of their milk teeth. However, it could vary from child to child. Hence, it is ideal for a dentist to monitor the child’s dentition at least annually to ensure smooth dental development. A rough rule of thumb is that the age in months minus six gives the average number of teeth, and this rule is valid up to 2 years old.
Before a child goes to the dentist, he/she will almost certainly have a dental experience of some sort at home. It all starts with the parents or carer – the observant adult. A parent would be one of the first few people who notices the first few pearly whites. And who can forget the teething period where everything seems to be that bit harder to deal with?
Sources:
Ashley MP, Br Dent J. 2001 Jul 14. It’s only teething…a report of the myths and modern approaches to teething.;191(1):4-8.
Hale KJ, American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Pediatric Dentistry. 2003 May. Oral health risk assessment timing and establishment of the dental home; 111(5 Pt 1):1113-6.
