The truth is, your child's pediatrician and your pediatric dentist are going to be the best sources for this answer.
Each person's situation is unique, and that can make their time to go to the dentist for the first time, unique as well.
The General Rules for Bringing Your Child to the Dentist
Most of the time, dentists say that children should first come to the dentist around their first birthday. This allows the dentist to begin building rapport with the child before fears really come into play, plus it allows them to see how their first set of teeth have erupted into their mouth.
By the first birthday, children typically have six or more teeth, allowing the dentist to be able to get a feel for how crowded the mouth may be as the rest of the teeth begin to come in. Some children have quite a few more teeth at this time.
If you aren't sure what to do, ask your child's pediatrician what they would recommend. They will give you a few things to keep an eye on, and when you see those markers, then you know the time is right. Then, find a pediatric dentist that you like, and your child is well on their way to getting solid oral health care from an early age.
Take your child's trips to the dentist seriously, and allow them to form a positive bond with their dentist from an early age. The sooner you make going to the dentist into a good habit, the better off your child's mouth will be!
Please contact our office if you have any questions about taking your child to the dentist.
