My Child Is Teething. Do They Need To See the Dentist?

Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for babies, and that can make teething a difficult experience for parents too! When your child is teething, it’s natural to have questions about what that means for your baby’s dental health. Knowing when to bring your child to the dentist in Chandler, AZ is important. The professionals at Raya Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry can help. Here’s what you need to know.

When Does Teething Begin?

Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months old. Some babies can start teething as early as 3 months old, or as late as 1-year-old. If your baby isn’t teething on schedule, you can ask the baby’s dentist if you have any concerns.

Signs of Teething

Some babies show few signs of teething while they’re going through it. Others can get very cranky! If your baby is teething, here are some signs to watch for:

  • Crying spells
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Difficulty eating
  • Excessive drooling

When Should My Child First See the Dentist?

Your child should see the dentist for the first time by the time they are one year old, or six months after their first tooth erupts – whichever comes first.

Why See the Dentist So Young?

Going to the dentist sets your child up for a lifetime of good oral health and hygiene. Seeing the dentist when your child is very young helps them get used to seeing the dentist. Going to the dentist also teaches your child the importance of maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

Is your baby teething? Is it time for your baby’s first dental appointment in Chandler, AZ? Call today to make their appointment.

How Pediatric Dental Exams Differ from Adult Exams

You have gone to the dentist all your life and may assume that the exam you receive will be the same one your child receives. However,pediatric dental exams in Chandler AZ differ in focus and treatments provided.

Both children and adults have their teeth cleaned and polished at their biannual dental checkups. With adult appointments, dentists focus on diagnosing and treating issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and replacing missing teeth. When Dr. Kiley Raya treats children, her main focus is ensuring that the teeth come in properly and using age-appropriate methods to teach them to care for their oral health.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Next Dental Exam

Before one of our hygienists starts cleaning your child’s teeth, Dr. Raya will ask you and your child several questions to better understand your son or daughter’s oral health. Below are some of the questions Dr. Raya may ask.

  • Can you describe your child’s typical eating habits?
  • Does your child normally care for their oral health, or do they require assistance from parents?
  • Is your child experiencing any discomfort or other oral health issues right now?

Providing detailed answers to these and other questions Dr. Raya asks is critical to helping her monitor your child’s oral health and intervene with specific treatments when necessary. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are common procedures that Dr. Raya recommends for kids. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, while sealants help prevent cavities on the back molar teeth by making it difficult for bacteria to invade.

Request Your Child’s Preventive Care Dental Exam Today

We recommend that parents schedulepediatric dental exams in Chandler, AZ, once every six months. If we have not seen your child in six months or longer, please reach out to reserve a time.