It seems like we’re hearing a lot about babies these days – whether in celebrity news or from our friends and neighbors. With all this baby talk, we wanted to reach out regarding when children should see the dentist for the very first time.
When To Bring a Child To Their First Dentist Visit
Most experts recommend that children visit the dentist following the emergence of their first tooth or before their first birthday. Seem too early? Research supports that early dental visits can help prevent dental problems for your child in the future and establish healthy ideas about oral hygiene.
What To Expect At Your Child’s First Appointment
The first appointment gives you and the dentist some time to get to know each other. Your dentist will likely gently look inside the babies mouth and spend some time getting to know your family. The dentist will talk about your goals for pediatric dentistry and may address the following:
- Oral hygiene routine for your child
- Scheduling future exams and visits
- Your family’s dental health history
- Your child’s eating and oral health habits (thumb-sucking, etc.)
- What to expect in terms of dental development in the next year
Questions To Ask At Your Child’s First Appointment
It can help you to prepare for your child’s first visit by bringing questions for your dentist. You might already be wondering about your child’s tooth development or have some questions regarding nursing, feeding and oral health. Here are some questions to consider asking at your child’s first visit:
- What kind of toothpaste should we use and how much?
- What should I use to “brush” the teeth or gums?
- What do I need to know about sealants and fluoride?
- Why should I worry about “baby” teeth?
- What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Finding A Dentist That’s Right For Your Child
It’s important that both you and your child can trust your dentist. Doing some research on pediatric dentistry can help you narrow your focus to providing the highest level of care for your child. When thinking about your child’s first experience with a dentist, consider the following:
- Can the dental care team accommodate my family’s busy schedule?
- What kind of preventative care is offered for children?
- Are there sedation services specifically for children?
- Are additional services provided under one roof, such as orthodontics?
- Does the dental care team make it an educational experience?
- Is it a fun environment?
At Sulens Dental Studio, our team loves making kids smile! Check out our web page about dentistry for kids for additional information and to read more about our approach to pediatric dentistry. Call (740)453-3089 to schedule your child’s first appointment today.