Timeline for Baby’s Dental Check-ups

As a mother herself, Dr. Foust knows how to talk to and care for her youngest patients. She wants to ensure that her young patients receive stellar children’s dentistry without anxiety in her welcoming Ankeny office. Dr. Foust works in partnership with the parents so she would like to share a straightforward schedule that outlines how often children should visit the dentist.

Baby’s First Check Up and Dental Hygiene Needs

  • First Check-up: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD,) bring your child in for their first dental check up after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. At this time, Dr. Foust and her team will review how to prevent childhood cavities by discussing dental hygiene tips, fluoride, teething and other milestones, and the importance of a healthy diet.
  • Second Check-up: If your baby doesn’t have any issues or toothaches, you don’t have to bring them back in for a check up until age two. Age two is when Dr. Foust recommends regularly taking them to dental check ups and cleanings every six months.
  • Age Four to Six: At this time, Dr. Foust will take X-rays to detect cavities that cannot be seen with the naked eye. She will also look for any other structural issues.
  • Dental Sealants: Between age six and twelve, Dr. Foust will focus on preventive care by focusing on dental sealants, regular cleanings, proper brushing and flossing, and the use of fluoride. Sealants are thin layers of plastic that coat the top surfaces of back teeth. The surface of molars are grooved and ridged, inviting germs to build up and cause tooth decay. Sealants will block them off so that the risk of cavities greatly decreases.

About Your Ankeny Dentist

Dental Impressions provides expert family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a calming environment. Dr. Amanda Foust is a mother herself, and she understands how to put children at ease when they come into her office. Her cosmetic services include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call (515) 965-0230. Dr. Foust proudly treats families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.