Your child’s first dental visit should happen much sooner than most parents realize. Many wait until their child is in preschool or has all their baby teeth, but the window for optimal oral health begins far earlier. The answer is simple: bring your child to a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Drs. Tesha Waggoner and Audrey Mikkelson welcome young patients as early as 6 months after their first tooth appears. As moms themselves, they understand the importance of early dental care and have created a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable from their very first visit. Understanding when to bring your child to the dentist involves knowing developmental milestones and recognizing the importance of preventive pediatric dental care.
Why Start Dental Visits So Early?
Babies develop their first teeth around 6 months of age, and all baby teeth should erupt by age 3. These primary teeth play a critical role in speech development, proper nutrition, and guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. Early dental visits allow pediatric dentists to monitor tooth development, identify potential issues before they become serious problems, and establish healthy oral hygiene habits from the start.
Young children who visit the dentist early develop comfort with the dental environment and build trust with their care team. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, first visits focus on making children feel safe and introducing them to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the dental office. The practice’s in-office dog, Meyers, often helps nervous children feel more at ease during their appointments.
Early dental visits aren’t just about checking for cavities. Pediatric dentists examine jaw development, assess oral hygiene practices, discuss nutrition and its impact on teeth, and provide guidance on thumb sucking or pacifier use. These preventive measures can save families from more complex and costly treatments later.
What Happens During the First Appointment?
The first dental appointment is designed to be positive and stress-free. Dr. Waggoner and Dr. Mikkelson take time to answer parent questions, examine the child’s teeth and gums, and discuss proper brushing techniques. Parents learn how to care for their child’s teeth at home and what developmental milestones to expect as more teeth erupt.
The examination includes checking for signs of early tooth decay, assessing the bite and jaw alignment, and evaluating the soft tissues of the mouth. For very young children, parents may hold their child in their lap during the exam to provide comfort and security. This is called a knee-to-knee exam. The goal is to make the experience positive so children look forward to returning.
Age-Specific Dental Care Considerations
Different ages bring different dental needs, and understanding what to expect at each stage helps parents prepare their children for successful dental visits.
- Infants and toddlers: For babies with their first few teeth, visits focus on parent education and establishing healthy habits. Parents learn proper brushing techniques for tiny teeth, safe cleaning methods for gums, and how to transition from bottles to cups to prevent tooth decay. These early visits are brief and gentle, introducing children to the dental chair and basic examination tools.
- Preschool age: Children between ages 3 and 5 typically receive more comprehensive exams, including dental cleanings and possibly X-rays if needed. At this age, children can better understand and follow simple instructions. Pediatric dentists may introduce preventive treatments like dental sealants to protect permanent molars as they come in around age 6.
- School age: Older children benefit from ongoing preventive care and more detailed education about their oral health. As permanent teeth replace baby teeth, pediatric dentists monitor spacing, alignment, and bite development. They can identify if orthodontic intervention might be beneficial and provide referrals when appropriate.
Each stage builds on the previous one, creating a comprehensive approach to oral health that evolves with your child’s needs.
Trust Your Child’s Smile to Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
Every child deserves a positive start to their dental journey. Drs. Waggoner and Mikkelson tailor their approach to each patient’s needs and comfort level, offering helpful tools like weighted blankets, low lighting, and the ability to watch movies during treatments. For children with anxiety or special needs, the team provides extra time and patience to ensure a successful visit.
Both doctors completed specialized pediatric dentistry training beyond dental school and maintain memberships in professional organizations, including the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Waggoner completed her pediatric specialty training at Oregon Health & Science University in 2018, while Dr. Mikkelson earned her Master of Science in Dentistry and pediatric specialty training at the University of Washington in 2021. Ready to give your child the best start for a lifetime of healthy smiles? Contact Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment at their Beaverton office.