Did you know that your child should start visiting the dentist when they turn one or when their first tooth shows? From that point on, you may even want to start tracking their dental milestones. Keeping track of your child’s dental milestones can provide great memories and give our dentists some insight into their oral health!
1. A Complete Smile
Once your child sprouts their first tooth, the rest aren’t long behind. According to the American Dental Association, by the time a child is 2 or 3 years of age, all primary teeth should have erupted. While each timeline is different, this is an excellent dental milestone to track as it can make a difference in dental visits and oral care.
2. Dental Restorations
Even though primary teeth eventually transition to secondary or adult teeth, they serve a greater purpose, and it's best to keep them healthy. Primary teeth pave the way for permanent teeth. They help your child speak, chew, and smile until their secondary teeth are ready to sprout. If your child receives pediatric dental restorations, like fillings or crowns, we suggest marking this milestone to keep a record of dental habits.
3. Lost Teeth
When a tooth is lost naturally, it’s an exciting time! For many children, that means a visit from the tooth fairy. This is a fun and exciting dental milestone to track for your child because that also means secondary teeth are on their way!
4. Dental Cleanings
Taking your child to our dental office for a cleaning and exam is another milestone to track. Not only does it give you a break from helping your child take care of their oral health, but it also helps them learn more about the importance of caring for their teeth. It might also be time for a dental sealant to protect new molars or a fluoride treatment. During this visit, our team can help your child improve their oral hygiene techniques. If there are areas where they can use some extra training, like managing dental floss, be sure to let us know!
Pediatric Dental Care in Gastonia, NC
Is your child ready to visit the dentist? At Gastonia Family Dentistry, we proudly provide high-quality dental care for patients of all ages, including kids. Schedule a visit with our friendly team to mark off those dental milestones!