Instilling good oral hygiene habits in childhood is the best way for parents to help their kids achieve lifelong dental health. Encouraging 
a healthy relationship with the dentist early on can help to curb the fear that keeps many adults from receiving adequate oral health care later in life. Although baby teeth are temporary, they still require the same care as adult teeth in order to protect against tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease in the future. Parents are encouraged to begin pediatric dental care within six months of the eruption of the child's first tooth.
Baby's First Dental Visit in Roanoke, VA
The dentists at Hunting Hills Family Dentistry in Roanoke, VA offer pediatric dental services designed to keep baby (and mom and dad!) comfortable during the first exam. Although every child develops at a different rate, the general benchmark for a child's first visit to the dentist is around their first birthday.
Why is pediatric dental care necessary? Baby teeth eventually fall out, but because they are just as susceptible to decay and cavities as permanent teeth, they must be monitored and cared for in the same way, in order to prevent problems once they grow in. If newly erupted teeth are discolored or show signs of decay, parents should schedule an appointment for a check-up as soon as possible.
Parents should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to erupt, and introduce floss when teeth are touching. Monitoring their oral hygiene is especially important in the beginning when their brushing and flossing technique is still developing. After the initial dentist appointment, standard follow-up appointments once a year in the absence of any issues is usually sufficient.
Find a Pediatric Dentist in Roanoke, VA
For more information on caring for your child's teeth, and to schedule a pediatric dental exam, contact Hunting Hills Family Dentistry at (540) 769-5020.