Sometimes, parents are unsure when to take a child to a dentist. Should you wait until he has all his teeth in, or maybe until there’s a real problem? No. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggest that when the first tooth erupts in the mouth, a child’s first visit should be no later than one to two years of age. Most of the first visits to dentists are fast and simple. The dentist is going to meet your little one, count the teeth of your son, and inspect his gums. Many pediatric dentists expect a parent to stay in the room, while their teeth are tested by small patients under the age of 1.
The dentist of your baby will also want to explore teething and family dental history with you, as well as oral hygiene, use of pacifiers, eating and sleeping habits. Additionally, the dentist will determine the bite of your child and suggest when you should schedule your next appointment. At the end of the visit, keep a “prize” in your bag to give your boy, just in case your dentist’s office doesn’t offer one.
How to Prepare your child for the first dentist visit?
Going to the dentist can, at any age, be a stressful ordeal. That’s why laying a strong foundation for your child as soon as possible is so important. Your child would not be afraid to visit the dentist if she starts early and goes regularly. She will develop good dental habits as an added benefit, which will keep her from having complications in the future.
Here are some valuable tips to help your child enjoy the dentist’s first trip:
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During naptime, stop making an appointment. Instead, after your child has had plenty of rest, arrange the appointment so that she can be more agreeable.
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Before seeing the dentist, feed your child a light meal and brush her teeth. That way, during the test, she won’t be hungry or fussy.
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Let your child know that a fun place to visit is the dentist’s office. When you talk to the dentist, as well as in the office and consultation room, use optimistic words and an upbeat sound. To allow her to comply, do the same during the test.
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Do something fun after the exam as a reward for doing a good job, such as going to the park.
How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Children come in every six months from the first visit onwards, unless a condition occurs that requires correction, such as a lisp, teeth grinding or mouth breathing. On each subsequent visit, expect the dentist to expand on the first visit and add a step. For example, the dentist can count the teeth of your child on the second visit and brush them with polishing paste, then probably add fluoride to the visit after that.
You may be required to hold your child while the dentist looks into his or her mouth, depending on your dentist and the comfort level of your child. You may be asked to step outside after the first visit so that your toddler can develop a sense of freedom and trust and have the opportunity to get to know the dentist and staff on their own.
He will have full dental appointments by the time the child is around three years old. If the child can do it and it has been a good experience in the past, X-rays will be taken at five years of age.
Are You Looking for an Amazing Dentist For Your Kids?
With over 30 years of professional experience helping young patients protect and beautify their smiles, Balfour Dental continues to be the preferred dental office for children and their families in Brentwood California and the surrounding communities of Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay and beyond! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as in general dentistry. If you are looking to help your kid’s smile, contact Balfour Dental today!
