Child’s First Appointment
Your child will benefit from routine dental care in order to maintain a bright, healthy smile. Along with receiving preventative and corrective care in the office, dental appointments are crucial in teaching your child how to take care of their teeth at home. Home care is key to maintaining healthy teeth and because of this, creating a regular dental care schedule is vitally important to a child’s confidence and overall well-being.
When Should You Bring Your Child to the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that parents find a suitable dentist for their child either before the child turns one or at the first sign of a tooth coming up through the gums, whichever comes first. Early appointments in life help to establish routine dental care that can help your child to understand the importance of visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Plus, dental appointments help to check for a range of different issues as well as provide preventative care to help their teeth look and feel their best.
What to Expect During the First Appointment
Before visiting the dentist for the first time and at each appointment thereafter, it is important to leave the talking to the dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children of all ages and varying needs, explaining procedures and treatments to them in a way that they can understand without being confused or scared. During the first appointment and at each bi-annual visit, your child will receive an oral cleaning and exam, which helps to check the development of the teeth and to find signs of decay. Brushing and flossing techniques will also be demonstrated to the parents so that regular oral hygiene can be practiced at home in a way that benefits the child. The first visit is also a wonderful opportunity for you to ask questions regarding your child’s oral health.