Proper dental care is crucial to overall good health, even for youngsters. Having a first dental visit around the time they get their first tooth or by their first birthday is suggested by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Starting dental visits young can help youngsters get used to visiting the dentist, and set them on the right track for ongoing good dental hygiene habits throughout their life.
What to Expect at the First Dental Visit:
The goal of every parent is to instill the importance of good dental care in their children, and there is no better way to do this than to schedule routine dental visits. But if there is just one tiny tooth poking through, what will the dentist do?
This is what you can expect from your child’s first visit to the dentist:
- The dentist will look inside your child’s mouth and examine any teeth they have, check their gums, and look at the alignment of the jaw to check for any potential problems.
- The dentist will discuss the best oral care habits how to prevent tooth decay and how to identify gum problems.
- The dental team will give you tips on how to keep your youngsters’ teeth clean and show you how to brush and floss their teeth.
- The dentist may suggest a cleaning if the child has several teeth.
- They will schedule the next visit to help parents get into a routine with their dental care.
- The dentist may suggest fluoride treatments if the child is a bit older.
How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit?
According to WebMD.com, parents need to talk to their children about their first dental visit. If they are very young, they may not be able to understand everything, but positioning the visit as a good experience can help with any anxiety or fears the child has before the appointment. Here are some tips to help parents prepare their youngsters for their first trip to the dentist:
- Speak to your child about their first dental visit in a positive way. Tell the child that this is a good visit and the dentist is going to help them have beautiful, healthy teeth and gums.
- Tell your child what they can expect to happen at the visit. If they understand that the dentist is going to look in their mouth and check their teeth and maybe clean then, the child will understand what will happen in advance.
- If the child has a favorite toy or blanket that they rely on for support, bring that item with them so they will feel comfortable.
- Should the child feel anxious about the visit, let the dentist know so they can be extra gentle, providing a good first experience.
It is also wise to find a dentist who caters to children. Many take extra care with youngsters and have offices designed to make the child feel more comfortable.
Finding the Right Dentist:
Before you schedule your first dental visit, you may want to ask friends who have kids of a similar age what dentist they visit, you can also get a list of dentists in the area by accessing Montrose dentist services. It will pull up dentists in your area so you can find the one that is best for your child.
