Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://growpediatricdentistry.com/blog/what-to-expect-at-your-childs-first-dental-visit/
About 86.9% of children ages 2 to 17 have visited a dentist in the past year. However, you should take your child in for their first dental visit before they’re two years of age. Taking them to their pediatric dentist for annual appointments can ensure a stunning, healthy smile.
Unfortunately, 13.2% of children have untreated dental caries. Neglecting to find a child dentist can lead to cavities, gum disease, and dental anxiety.
Not sure what to expect at your child’s first visit to the dentist? Read on to learn everything you need to know today!
When to Schedule a Visit
First, it’s important to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting (coming in). If your child’s first tooth hasn’t erupted, take them to visit the dentist around their first birthday.
During this appointment, you can talk to your dentist about:
- Finger-sucking habits
- Pacifier habits
- Teething
- Mouth cleaning
- Infant feeding techniques/practices
- Baby bottle tooth decay
Visiting your child’s pediatric dentist while they’re still young can minimize the likelihood of them developing dental anxiety. Otherwise, dental anxiety could make future appointments more difficult. If your child is anxious about dental visits, they might not receive the care they need.
How to Prepare
Long before your child’s first dental visit, prepare them and yourself.
First, try to schedule your child’s first appointment while they’re alert and free, early in the day. If necessary, schedule it after their nap instead. Scheduling an appointment before their nap might leave your child in a grumpy state.
Try to give your child a general idea of what to expect from a routine appointment.
First, the dentist will complete a visual examination of their teeth and gums. If your child is old enough, the dentist might recommend dental X-rays, too. Walking your child through a routine appointment can keep them from forming worst-case scenarios in their minds.
Try to build excitement and understanding about dental visits.
Lead by example at home. Show your child how you brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Young children are likely to mimic the older people around them.
Don’t forget to prepare yourself as well. Draft a list of questions you want to ask during your child’s appointment. Consider scheduling a consultation appointment alone with the dentist before your child’s check-up.
If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, try not to let your child see it. Instead, give them the moral support they need to remain calm. Otherwise, your child might pick up on your anxieties before mimicking the behavior themselves.
The Benefits
Why do you need to take your child to the dentist while they’re still young?
Bringing your child to the dentist before their first birthday can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Your dentist can check your child’s teeth for plaque and tartar formation before problems develop. Then, they can provide preventative dentistry techniques to help your child avoid cavities in the future.
Helping your child avoid cavities can save them from painful symptoms and stressful treatments later on. It can also save you the expense of more complex treatments.
If the dentist does notice signs of early decay, they can try to reverse the decay before a cavity fully develops. Bringing your child in for appointments every six months will allow the dentist to take immediate action.
Visiting the dentist while your child is young can also help them grow accustomed to appointments. They can recognize visiting the dentist is part of their usual routine. In fact, your child might get excited about showing off their stunning, healthy smiles.
What to Expect
During your child’s first dental visit, the dentist will complete an examination of their:
- Oral tissues
- Gum
- Teeth
- Jaws
- Bite
They’ll polish your child’s teeth to remove any bacteria, plaque, tartar, or stains that have developed. They can also walk your child through the process of brushing and flossing. Following the proper techniques can minimize the likelihood of tooth decay.
Talk to the dentist about preventive dentistry services, including fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatments and sealants can help protect your child’s teeth.
If your child is old enough, the dentist will schedule X-rays as well. X-rays can help the dentist diagnose decay. It will also help the dentist determine if a baby tooth is affecting an adult tooth.
Make sure to schedule appointments with your children’s dentist every six months. In the meantime, practice good oral hygiene at home.
Choose a Great Dentist
Before scheduling your child’s first dental visit, make sure you’ve found a great pediatric or family dentist. Finding the right dentist can help your child feel more comfortable about appointments. Remember, they might even start looking forward to check-ups.
When searching for a pediatric dentist near me, review each dentist’s:
- Education and training
- Credentials and certifications
- Pediatric dentistry services
- Patient reviews
- Hours and location
- Pricing
Compare pricing between three local family dental practices to determine the average in town. Determine which clinics accept your dental insurance as well.
Schedule a consultation to meet three local dentists in person. Determine if your child would feel comfortable around them. Ask any questions you have about your child’s oral health or future appointments while you’re there.
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit Today
Your child’s first dental visit is an important right of passage. Talk to your local children’s dentist to learn how to protect your child’s teeth at home. Otherwise, make sure to schedule an appointment for your child every six months.
With regular check-ups, you can minimize their likelihood of dental anxiety and tooth decay. Start prioritizing your child’s oral health today.
Ready to schedule that appointment? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us now to get started.
