First Dentist Appointment for Children?

This is one of the questions I am asked most frequently. At what age should my child have his or her first dentist appointment?

Most children get their first set of teeth by age 3 and we like to see them at that point (between 3 and 3 1/2 years).  Because of the spacing of infants’ and toddlers’ teeth, they do not trap food and are easy to keep clean, so we very rarely see problems before age 3 in our patients.  Visiting the dentist before problems arise allows children to begin their relationship with the dentist in a positive way. Seeing the dentist regularly helps children continue to enjoy optimal oral health.

We enjoy seeing children in our practice, and whole families of children and teens getting their check-ups together is a pretty common sight at Ferguson Dental Care.

There are rare circumstances that can lead to dental problems earlier than age 3 (such as congenital defects, trauma, or neglect), and if you suspect a dental problem in a very young child, he or she should be seen by a specialist in pediatric dental care (a pedodontist) as soon as the problem arises. An early childhood dental visit that is not handled properly can lead to a lifetime of dental anxiety. Pedodontic specialists have special training in dealing with the youngest patients and can make sure they maintain a healthy attitude toward future dental care.

Dr. Paul Ferguson owns and operates Ferguson Dental Care in Fair Haven, NJ.