Reynolds Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

Pediatric Dentistry

As with adults, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that parents take their children to the dentist biannually beginning about six months after the first tooth has emerged. This sets a good precedent for the child to develop healthy habits, creates a good relationship with a dentist who can follow your child’s development becoming familiar with them and therefore making it easier to catch any problems that may arise quickly to begin treatment, and, should an emergency occur, allows the child to be treated in an environment that is already familiar to them.

It is crucial for children to have periodic exam every 6 months. First of all, if a child visits the dentist every 6 months, there is less need for large amounts of work all at once, leading the child to a more positive attitude towards dental visits.

Second, we can help you monitor your child’s oral hygiene and diet. This will help shape both the child’s and your own understanding of their dental health, leading to the prevention of cavities and shaping healthy dental habits as an adult. Overall, frequent periodic exams will make your child less stressed about visiting the dentist, save you from having to spend a lot of money in treatment of cavities and other dental problems, and will make your child a healthy adult.