Your trusted pediatric dentist, Dr. Bret Jerger, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that children should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first teeth arrive, or by their first birthday.
Just like their parents, children need preventive care every six months. While age one might seem early, it allows your pediatric dentist to begin building a healthy, positive relationship with your little one and closely monitor their dental development.
What to Expect from Early Childhood Dental Care in Decatur, IL
During your child's early visits, we'll spend a lot of time counting their new teeth and helping them feel safe and acclimated to being in the dental chair. Building rapport and a positive relationship with your little one is one of our primary goals. We want them to feel excited about the dentist and look forward to their visits.
This is also a great time for parents to ask questions about their child's oral health, and we love sharing tips on how to support young smiles at home.
As Your Child Grows
When it becomes age-appropriate, we'll incorporate teeth cleanings and x-rays into their visits. Cleanings help us educate kids about the importance of their dental health, and they're a great time to teach them proper at-home techniques.
We'll evaluate for orthodontic treatment around age seven or eight. Some kids can benefit from early orthodontic intervention, while others won't need treatment until around age 12. Early intervention can help children with tooth crowding or bite issues, such as an overbite or underbite, so we can use their early growth patterns to correct them.
Dr. Bret may also recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants when your child is old enough. These treatments help protect developing teeth from the decay and cavities that are common in childhood.
Contact our team at (217) 875-3080 if it's time to schedule your little one's next dental visit.