How Often Should Kids Visit The Dentist – A Practical Guide

As a parent, you might wonder how often your little one should be visiting the dentist’s office. A lot of parents will only seek dental care when they notice tooth problems like tooth decay, pain, cavities, bad breath, or abscesses. At this point, the damage is usually already done, and dentists often need to perform repairs.

Many children’s dental care problems can be avoided by frequently visiting the dentist’s office for checkups. These hiccups are great for helping little ones overcome their fear of dentists or dental procedures and can help kids avoid tooth problems. 

The frequency of oral checkups usually varies as the child grows. Here is a quick look at how often to take kids for dental checkups or teeth cleaning. 

Infants to 2 Years

It is usually best to book an appointment when a baby’s first tooth arrives. During this checkup, the child will be inspected for gum disease or other complications. 

Parents can get some helpful tips on the best way to care for baby teeth as they arrive or how to numb the pain when teeth are cut. They will also receive some guidance about a healthy diet and the effect that pacifiers can have on their baby’s teeth. 

Toddlers 2 – 5 Years

Toddlers and preschoolers are prone to cavities because baby teeth are quite vulnerable to sugar and sweet drinks. Parents also need to take charge of their little one’s oral hygiene and help them brush twice a day.

Your dentist can help identify any potential problems, like cavities, and can offer some guidance on the best oral care practices for your little one. Parents can get some advice on a suitable toothpaste and toothbrush, and some tips to prevent cavities.

At this point, kids can also start with fluoride treatments. This treatment is great for strengthening the enamel on baby teeth and will make your child’s teeth more resilient against cavities. 

It is best to visit your dentist every six months. This frequent routine is great for preventing tooth problems and will help the child get more used to dental procedures. 

Children 6 – 12 Years

Younger kids aged 6 to 12 should visit the dentist every six months or more often if they are struggling with tooth problems. Dentists can help monitor permanent teeth as they grow into place and can start taking note of problematic growth.

During this time, it is best to get the child’s molars sealed. This sealant will form a protective layer to keep those baby teeth protected until the adult teeth arrive. 

You can also get your little one’s teeth cleaned by an oral hygienist once every six months. This procedure removes plaque and stains from the teeth and can be followed up by a fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel. Teeth cleaning sessions are great for getting little ones a little bit more used to some of the equipment often used in dentists’ offices. 

Teenagers 13 – 18 Months

Teenagers also need to visit the dentist every six months to check for cavities, gum disease, or to monitor the adult teeth and wisdom teeth for growth. 

Once all of the baby teeth have fallen out and the adult teeth grow in, the child will be ready for braces, if teeth correction is needed. 

Your dentist might also recommend a mouthguard for little ones who might grind their teeth during sleep. 

Dentists can teach teenagers how to properly floss and take good care of their new adult teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal 

Wisdom tooth removal is usually done between the ages of 15 and 25. Dentists often recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth at a younger age before these large teeth start to affect the positioning of the other adult teeth. 

Other Times To Visit a Dentist

While these standard checkups are great for protecting little kids teeth and teaching them about proper oral care, there might be some other times when dental procedures might be required.

You should definitely visit a dentist’s office if your little one is experiencing pain or swelling in the tooth or gums. Kids with a high risk of getting cavities should also visit the dentist more often.

Book Now at The Best Dentistry for Kids in Newtown

At Blue Tooth Dental, our dentists are great at treating little ones and teaching them about proper oral care. We welcome parents to visit our dentistry regularly so your little one can receive the best possible care.

Contact Blue Tooth Dental now to book your child’s oral checkup or teeth cleaning procedure.