When Should My Child Start Seeing the Dentist? Pediatric Dental Care FAQs

If you’re a proud new parent in Wausau, Schofield or Rothschild, and you’re wondering when you should bring your little one to the dentist for the first time, the team at Skutak Dental is happy to help! We’re proud to offer quality pediatric dentistry in Wausau, and our team is here to answer all of your questions about pediatric dental care. 

When Should I Take My Child To The Dentist For The First Time?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child begin seeing the dentist once their first tooth emerges, or whenever they turn one year old; whichever comes first. Bringing your child to the dentist early and regularly will help our team catch any oral development issues early and ensure that your child’s dental health is on the right track. 

Why Is It Important to Bring My Child to the Dentist?

During early dental appointments, Dr. Skutak will answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral development and ensure that you stay informed about their dental health. You can also learn more about proper oral hygiene, and how to care for your child’s teeth. Each of these appointments will help your child become very familiar with the process of going to the dentist. This means they will be less likely to feel nervous or afraid of dental appointments as they grow older, and it will be easier to encourage healthy oral hygiene habits.

What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?

This depends on the age of your child. Young children who only have a few of their baby teeth will have each one of their teeth cleaned by one of our hygienists, and their gums will also be cleaned. Then, Dr. Skutak will perform a quick oral exam to look for any potential areas of concern, and answer any questions you have about your child’s oral health.

For older children (3+) who have most or all of their baby teeth, we will perform a gentle standard cleaning, just like we would for an adult. Then, Dr. Skutak will conduct a comprehensive oral exam to look for cavities and other potential oral health problems. 

Will My Child Need Dental X-Rays?

If Dr. Skutak suspects that there may be a small issue with your child’s mouth that can’t be seen during an oral exam, she may suggest dental x-rays. However, we will only take x-rays of your child’s mouth with your permission and consent. 

Contact Us For Your Child’s First Appointment Today! 

At Skutak Dental, we love working with kids of all ages. If your child is overdue for their first dental appointment, get started at our office and schedule your consultation today. Give us a call at (715) 355-4433, or stop by our office at 700 Eagle Nest Boulevard, Suite E, Rothschild, WI 54474 to make an appointment with Dr. Skutak.

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