When your child was born, you couldn’t even leave the hospital until you had scheduled their first pediatrician appointment. But when it comes to dental care, there’s much less guidance. Sometimes, pediatricians offer advice at a child’s early appointments, but it’s not the same as seeing an expert. So new parents can be left scratching their heads and wondering when they really should take their child to see a dentist in Tomball, TX.

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Wint Tun is a board-certified orthodontist. She loves treating patients of all ages and is particularly passionate about providing young children with the care they need. She can work with your child’s primary dentist to lay a firm foundation for a lifetime of oral health. 

To find out if it is the right time for your child to visit the dentist or orthodontist, contact our office today.

When should you schedule the first dentist appointment?

Though it may seem early, children should first visit a dentist in Tomball, TX, around their first birthdays. For children who start teething early, it would be appropriate to schedule a visit sooner – no later than six months after the first tooth comes in. 

Many parents are surprised by this recommendation, but the reality is that childhood tooth decay is far too common. According to the CDC, 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have had decay in their baby teeth.

What should you expect when you first see a dentist in Tomball, TX?

If your child has already entered the “stranger danger” phase, you may dread the thought of a dental visit! How will your little one handle meeting a new person, let alone sit still long enough for an exam and cleaning?

Not to worry! Dentists understand the needs of squirmy toddlers. Before age 2, dental visits will typically involve nothing more than a quick exam to make sure teeth are developing properly. Dentists also educate parents, sharing the best ways to care for their children’s teeth at home. 

What about the first orthodontic evaluation?

Like a routine dental visit, an orthodontic evaluation should take place sooner than you might expect. Children should be screened for orthodontic problems around age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Although children will not have all their permanent teeth yet, they will have enough that your orthodontist can detect significant alignment issues. Early treatment can reduce the severity of malocclusion and shorten overall treatment time.

What should you expect with early orthodontic care?

If a child has early orthodontics, the complete treatment regimen will typically take place in two phases. During phase one, your child’s orthodontist will create room to accommodate emerging adult teeth. She may suggest a retainer, expander, space maintainer, headgear, or braces that only target specific teeth. Treatment usually takes 9 to 12 months. Then your child will begin phase 2 around age 12 or 13. 

Contact a Dentist in Tomball, TX Today

To schedule an appointment for your child, contact Harmony Orthodontics. 

Book a consult online or call us at 832-699-3683.