AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE: BABY’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

Most parents of infants often get caught up in the various benchmarks and milestones of their new babies lives. That first year is chock full of prideful moments: baby’s first time turning over, baby’s first food, baby’s first tooth, baby’s first word….. the list goes on and on. But one marker that parents often put off is baby’s first dentist appointment. Both medical and dental professionals recommend that parents bring their baby in for a check up just six months after the eruption of their first tooth, but the average American parent puts off this important appointment until we after their second birthday. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist before the age of one-year-old. Why? It seems that early and regular visits to the pediatric dentist can help a child’s oral and general health in a variety of ways. The health of the primary teeth, often referred to as “baby teeth” being the primary reason. Where some parents believe that, because they will fall out on their own, the long-term health of those teeth is not important, studies have shown that these teeth help to maintain good nutrition by helping children chew properly, are fundamental in speech development and help to save space for the proper growth of permanent teeth. Without healthy, functional teeth, no matter how temporary, the future of your child’s oral health is compromised.

As Sterling’s favorite family dentist , Sterling Dental Centeris dedicated to treating your entire family’s dental care needs with compassion, patience and caring – for even the youngest of patients. Experience the Sterling difference by scheduling baby’s first dentist appointment by calling us at (703) 433-0234.