Dental Information » A Child's First Dentist Appointment
A Child's First Dentist Appointment
Q: When should parents take their children for their first dental checkup?
A: We recommend children starting visiting the dentist between the ages of 1-2 years old. If children start going to the dentist early, it just becomes part of their normal routine. This early start gives them a chance to get to know us and know the office. Achieving some comfort level early on also helps in the event of a dental emergency; if the child has some dental emergency, they might be apprehensive about what will happen during an emergency appointment, but they won t be afraid of us.
Q:What happens during my child's first visit to the dentist?
A: We are very careful not to push or pressure a child too much at their first visit, especially if they are less than 2 years old. So, we sort of let the child dictate how the visit will go. Obviously, I would like to be able to see the child' s teeth, so I can discuss any issues with the parents at an early stage. They don ' t always cooperate with that one! In our office, on the first visit, we will usually show them around and show them the dental chair. Most children get a kick out of taking a "ride" in the chair, whether they are in it by themselves or sitting on a parent' s lap. Sometimes, we will show them a video about the first visit to the dentist. I will also usually give the child and new toothbrush, which can get them to open enough for me to see at least some of the teeth. I will discuss homecare and nutrition with the parent(s). If the child is between 12-24 months old, it might take several appointments to finally get a good look in their mouth. Our main objective is to have children like to come to the dentist, to look forward to their dental visits. Using a sensitive, customized approach to each child has proved very successful in achieving this goal.
Q: How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?
A: We usually advise that parents not overly prepare their child for dental visits. The first visit might be an exception, however. It can be helpful to have the child practice opening their mouth for Mom or Dad, so they might be more likely to open for the dentist. Parents can tell their child that the dentist would like to count their teeth. Practice counting their teeth at home first. Work with your child on brushing and flossing daily. Not only is this important for keeping their teeth and gums clean and healthy, but it will help them get used to someone else having hands in their mouth. There are several books available that illustrate and/or narrate a first visit to the dentist. These books can be helpful, although I advise parents to look through them first to ensure they are no "scary" images.
Q: How often should I schedule dentist appointments for my child?
A: We advise that adults with healthy teeth and gums visit their dentist every 6 months. The same advice holds true for children as well. If a child has problems with cavities or potential cavities, we recommend more frequent visits. For example, sometimes we see a child with a spot on a tooth that is either a small cavity or likely to become one. If we apply a product called fluoride varnish to this area every couple of months, we may be able to stop the cavity from forming or progressing. This is a very simple, easy procedure which is much more pleasant, especially for younger children, than placing a filling.
Q: When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
A: Most babies start teething when they are about 6-8 months old. Parents, please keep in mind this is an average span. Some children can actually be born with a tooth already erupted, while others may not start getting teeth until they are closer to a year. If your child is about 14-15 months old and has not started teething yet, it would probably be a good idea to speak with your pediatrician and a dentist about the situation. Generally, if the baby teeth erupt early or late, the permanent teeth will follow that pattern.
Source: www.pediactricdentistryusa.org