How To Prepare For Your Child’s First Dentist Visit
Dentists recommend bringing young children to the pediatric dentist long before they get their permanent teeth. In fact, by the time your kids are toddlers, it’s ideal for them to visit a dentist for regular checkups. Not only are regular visits important for maintaining young children’s oral health, but they provide kids with a strong foundation for good dental practices and help them get comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
By preparing your child to visit a dentist for the first time, you may be able to avoid the shock that can come with a first appointment. After all, the bright lights of the office, the unusual chair that leans back, and a stranger’s fingers and sharp dental tools can be quite shocking for a child. Helping them understand what awaits them will reduce the shock and discomfort associated with a first dental visit. Here, we’ll outline some helpful ways to prepare for visiting a dentist with your child for the first time.
Introducing Your Child to the Dentist
It’s a good idea to begin preparing your child for their first dental visit well in advance of the appointment. Start out by encouraging them to get their teeth ready for a checkup. Even though they may be brushing each day, you can remind them to brush with extra care so that the dentist will be impressed by their clean teeth. Establishing a good brushing and dental hygiene routine for kids when they’re younger ensures that regular brushing will become second nature for them.
Before visiting the dentist, start out with a visit to your local library. Check out some children’s books about dentists so that they can see pictures of dental offices. There are many picture books that have been published about dental checkups with stories about kids visiting dentists for the first time. Reading these stories will let kids know what to expect. They’ll be much less fearful when it’s their turn and, possibly, even quite excited about the upcoming experience.
How to Help Your Child Not Fear the Dentist
Many adults have a fear of the dentist. Some procedures are painful. However, painful experiences aren’t commonplace for young children. Plus, kids who practice good dental hygiene are less likely to develop cavities and to require dental interventions other than cleaning when they’re young. Even so, kids, too, can develop a fear of the dentist just like they may fear going to the doctor for physicals and vaccinations. Even so, you can help your kids not
to be afraid of the dentist by helping them understand exactly what to expect during their visit.
Library books that detail dental checkups are helpful because kids can take their time going page by page, learning why dentists check this or that and use certain tools. When they understand that their appointment will not involve pain or discomfort, they’re less likely to fear the experience. You can also prepare your child for their first dental exam by talking about their pediatric dentist and the office team. You can explain that their job is to make sure that everybody’s teeth are healthy and that they’re smiles look great. Additionally, invite your child to ask questions about dental exams. Tell them about your own experiences and why you love to have your teeth checked and cleaned. You might even find online videos that depict what typically happens during a first dental exam.
What Happens at a Pediatric Dentist Visit?
Unless there’s a reason for a more extensive exam, most first dental exams are simple enough. In fact, many dentists prefer to keep exams with young children who are visiting for the first time quite basic so that they can reassure the children that there is nothing to fear by sitting in the dentist’s chair and allowing the dentist to examine their teeth. During a first dental checkup, parents can expect dentists to check their child’s teeth with a visual exam. If the child is an infant, the pediatric dentist most likely will not perform a cleaning during the first visit but will examine and count any teeth that are present. For toddlers, dentists will perform a gentle cleaning, which gets kids used to the cleaning process.
Typically, dental x-rays aren’t necessary when kids are toddlers during a first dental exam unless there is an issue that requires them. Most dentists who see young children take time to ask the children questions, getting to know them. Kids who are comfortable with their dentist are less likely to dislike the exam experience.
What Age Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Pediatric Dentist Visit?
Dentists typically encourage parents to bring their child to see the dentist after they get their first tooth, usually before their first birthday. However, many parents wait until their kids are slightly older. It’s important for your kids to see a dentist regularly during and after their toddler years to establish good dental habits and keep their oral health on track. The sooner you schedule a first exam, the better. You can get your young child comfortable in the exam room long before they need a more extensive exam that may involve slight discomfort.
What to Look for in a Pediatric Dentist?
Although many pediatric dentists specialize in pediatric dental care, many others feature family dental services and are just as equipped to attend to their youngest patients as their oldest ones. The idea is to choose a personable dentist that’s good with kids. The fact is, not all dentists are comfortable treating young children and may even refer you to a pediatric or family dentist. It’s ideal to visit a dentist that is comfortable with children and has a reputation for their gentle exams.
When searching for a dentist for your child’s first visit, look for a dentist that has an office with a positive atmosphere. Are there any indications in the office that kids are welcome? Many pediatric dentists work hard to create a fun atmosphere for children where they’re likely to feel safe and happy. Perhaps there’s a television that plays children’s programs they’re likely to be familiar with. Perhaps there are coloring sheets or other activities for them to enjoy while waiting to see the dentist. These are signs that the office cares about its youngest patients’ experience in the waiting room.
Many pediatric dentists also feature wall-mounted televisions so that kids can watch tv while having their exam or dental work performed. A family show may help them focus on something other than any discomfort they may feel. It can also help pass the time so they’re less bored during the visit. Less boredom means they’re less likely to fidget, which can make it more difficult for the dental pros to do their job. Before choosing a dentist for your child, be sure to read reviews. What do other patients have to say about their experiences? Specifically, search for reviews that discuss pediatric visits. Naturally, you’ll want to make sure that any dentist and your child sees has the necessary licensure and medical credentials to perform dental services. Before your visit, you might want to set up a consultation with the dentist so that you can tour their office first and find out about the dentist’s services, including emergency visits. There’s a lot that goes into choosing a dentist for your family. You want to take time to make sure that you’re comfortable with the dental practice you select.
What Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist about At-Home Care?
After your child’s first exam, be sure to ask the pediatric dentist questions about at-home dental care where your child is concerned. Make sure that the current dental hygiene regimen your child is practicing is ideal going forward. Find out if the dentist has any concerns or recommendations for your child. Be sure to discuss any concerns that you might have about your child’s oral health. Dr. Stelianos Bredologos and Dr. Maria Mendrinos of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry operate a practice that is designed for families, including young children.
As brother and sister, both dentists have created a family-friendly practice that is extremely welcoming to young kids. In fact, the whole dental team enjoys when they can convince young patients that visiting the dentist is a fun experience. Moreover, it’s good for them! If you want to schedule your young child’s first dental exam, call the practice today. We do our best to create a positive experience for your child. We also see patients of all ages and provide a complete lineup of dental services, including general, restorative, and cosmetic services. Call us to learn more or to schedule your exam.
