Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
New parents have plenty to worry about: making sure their baby is happy and healthy, adjusting to busy schedules and sleepless nights, and navigating unfamiliar situations. However, when it comes to your child’s oral health, there is plenty of support available. Our office is a great place to start, as we welcome your youngster for their initial visit to the dentist.
When should you bring your child in?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended to schedule their first checkup by the age of one. This may seem surprising, as there may only be a few baby teeth present at this time, but there are several important things we can focus on during this visit. This includes developing healthy habits that will contribute to a positive dental experience in the future.
Unfortunately, tooth decay can occur in young children. Therefore, our team will be diligent in monitoring for cavities. However, cavity prevention is just one aspect of our early dental visits. It is equally important for us to review proper oral care techniques for young children, assess their developmental milestones, and emphasize the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Preparing for the Big Day
Children can be remarkably perceptive to their parents’ emotions, so if you’re feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, it’s important to try not to let it show. Typically, during the appointment, we’ll engage in conversation with both you and your child, examine their mouth, and assess their oral health. It’s recommended to inform your child of what to expect beforehand, without creating too much excitement or anxiety. You could even make the occasion fun by helping them prepare for “the big day.”
To ensure a smooth and comfortable visit, consider bringing along a comforting toy, a snack, and extra diapers in case of fussiness. If possible, it’s best to leave other children at home, so that our attention can be fully focused on the new patient. If you have another adult to accompany you, it can help to alleviate any distractions and allow you to concentrate on your child’s oral health. Completing necessary forms in advance can also save time and effort on the day of the appointment.
The Checkup
Once you and your child are comfortably seated in the dental office, we will take a few minutes to introduce ourselves and explain the procedures. We will conduct a gentle examination of your child’s mouth, looking for early signs of dental issues such as tooth decay, and evaluate the risk of future problems. By assessing this risk, we may be able to prevent and even reverse the initial stages of tooth decay without requiring any drilling.
We will also discuss methods to maintain your child’s oral health, such as diet, eating habits, and oral hygiene practices to prevent tooth decay, which is a common childhood chronic disease. This topic is especially important if your child is at higher risk for developing dental problems. If any treatments such as fluoride are necessary, we will explain their purpose and recommend them accordingly. Additionally, we will provide tips on effective cleaning and brushing and schedule any follow-up visits.
Early habits can shape a child’s life, which is why it is crucial to schedule a visit to the dentist by age one. Don’t hesitate to bring your child in for their first visit – it will be beneficial for their oral health in the long run.
