Oral and dental health care start from birth. It is very important to provide good oral health care to your child right from the start. According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, they recommend bringing your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. Generally at this initial visit, the dentist will:

• Check your child’s teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems
• Explain how to care for your child’s teeth, and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Your child should see a dentist once every six months in order to maintain good oral health and to help your child develop a positive attitude about the dentist.

Here are some additional tips

• Take your child with you when you go in for a check up so he/she can get used to the dental office and its staff.
• Avoid using negative words such as “needle” and “hurt.”
• Play dentist to familiarize your child with what takes place during a visit.
• Ask your dentist how he or she explains procedures to children.
• And answer your child’s questions honestly and sensitively.