As a parent, you look forward to many milestones in your child’s life. You are amazed when they take their first steps and can’t get over hearing them utter their first words. However, you might not be as excited when you think about taking them to the dentist for the first time. You are convinced they will cry and they will not enjoy this experience at all. Or will they? Let’s find out.
When should children visit their dentist for the first time?
The general recommendation is that children should go to the dentist for the first time either when they turn one or about six months after they get their first tooth. Your dentist may have a different schedule so it may be wise to give them a call to find out and make an appointment. And if you need a recommendation, check out the professional dental clinic in Oakland ca.
What happens during this first visit?
A child’s first visit to the dentist tends to be a short one. Also, little treatment will probably be needed. What’s most important about this visit is that the children get an opportunity to interact with their dentist in a non-threatening and comfortable manner, paving the way for many future interactions.
You might be allowed to hold your child on your lap during this first visit while the dentist takes a look at their teeth. At this point, they will look for decay or identify any other potential problems that relate to the gums, jaw, or oral tissues.
If the dentist considers it necessary and depending on the number of teeth the child has, they will clean the teeth and recommend the use of fluoride if it is considered to be necessary.
Parents might receive a small talk about the right way to practice oral health with their children and ask the dentist about any concerns they may have about future dental developments.
What topics might your dentist touch upon during this visit?
After completing a medical form about your child’s health, your dentist might want to discuss some important topics to help your child enjoy the best possible dental health. Among them:
- They may start by explaining to you all about the best oral hygiene practices to care for the child’s teeth and gums as well as actions you may take to prevent the appearance of cavities.
- You may get clarification on the need for fluoride and how much or how often that should be applied.
- If your child has habits that could affect their teeth such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier, this will also be addressed.
- If your child is still bottle feeding, you might talk about any concerns with tooth decay
- You may also receive information on teething, proper nutrition, and developmental milestones.
What comes next?
Your kids dentist might recommend that you schedule an appointment in six months. Getting children into the habit of having good dental hygiene and health is achieved by monitoring their teeth’s development and quickly treating any problems that might develop.
You may prepare your child for their first visit to their dentist by giving them an idea of what to expect and make their first contact with the world of dentistry a less scary experience. After all, it will be an important part of their lives now and in the future.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind