Age 1 to 2 Visits
Oregon City, OR
 You are enjoying being a new parent. After all, what's not to like? Your child's first years are full of milestones and miracles. In the middle of all of those milestones, you may have some questions about your child's dental visits. At what age should you take your toddler to the dentist? What are the dental milestones that you should expect your child to meet by the time they turn two? Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry has some information about dental milestones and dental exams.
What Kinds of Dental Exams Are Available For Young Children?
 Once your child's teeth are beginning to come in, you need to bring them in to see us. For some children, that can be as early as six months old. For others, a dental visit can occur as late as one year of age. That's because children's teeth come in at different times, and no two children's teeth come in at the same time. Even in the same family, children's teeth can differ in the times they erupt.
After your child's teeth come in, you should bring them to see us every six months. This is convenient, because that is the same amount of time you are supposed to have between dental exams, so you could all come in together.
What Happens During a Toddler's Dental Exam?
During dental exams for toddlers, we want to get to know your toddler. It is even more important that we get to know toddlers because they need some time to adapt to us. Toddlers - as all parents of toddlers know - need to be comfortable with us. We will examine your child's teeth, clean their teeth, and check their teeth for cavities. We also want to make sure that your child's teeth, gums, and jaw are functioning the way they are supposed to. We can also talk to you about any diseases your child has and how they affect their dental health. If you need to discuss your child's diet, we can talk about that as well.
Milestones for Toddlers
The first milestone that children reach is the teething age. For some children, this begins at six months. Other children begin teething at a year. When a child is teething, their gums may be red or swollen, and they may be in discomfort. The teething signals that your child may be getting one or more teeth. By around age two to three, your child should have his or her first set of baby teeth - 20 teeth in all. We will want to examine the teeth closely because baby teeth signal the layout of permanent teeth. If your child is going to have problems, we will have a good idea of what your child's potential problems might be.
Are you worried about your child's dental health? Do you want to make sure that your child's teeth and gums are healthy? Do you want more information about your child's dental health and dental cleanings?
Give Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry a call at (971) 459-2431. We would love to talk to you about your child's dental health, the importance of dental exams, and their dental milestones.
FAQs
Why are dental visits important between ages 1 and 2?
Dental visits between ages 1 and 2 help our dental team monitor early tooth development, check for signs of decay, and guide parents on proper home care. At Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry, these early visits also help children become familiar with the dental office in a gentle, supportive way.
What happens during a toddler dental visit?
During a toddler dental visit, our dentists gently examine the teeth, gums, bite, and oral development. The visit may also include a gentle cleaning, fluoride guidance, and a conversation with parents about brushing, feeding habits, pacifier use, thumb sucking, and cavity prevention.
How often should toddlers see the dentist?
Many toddlers benefit from dental visits every six months, though some children may need a different schedule based on tooth development, cavity risk, or oral habits. Our dental team will recommend a visit schedule that supports your child’s early oral health needs.
How can I care for my toddler’s teeth at home?
You can care for your toddler’s teeth by brushing twice daily with a soft child-sized toothbrush and the amount of fluoride toothpaste recommended by our dentists. Parents should help with brushing, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water.
How can I help my toddler feel comfortable at the dentist?
You can help your toddler feel comfortable by using calm, positive language, scheduling the visit when your child is usually rested, and bringing a comfort item if helpful. Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry provides age-appropriate care designed to make early dental visits reassuring for both children and parents.
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