Scheduling Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Although most parents record big milestones like first steps or first words, few people acknowledge the importance of the first dental visit. Ideally, your child should have an initial visit by age one with a children dentist. Around three, you should begin to schedule regular appointments.
Why does my child need to see the dentist at such a young age?
Once teeth being to erupt, you should have a children dentist check out your child’s mouth. Dental problems can start early, so the sooner the appointment, the better. Your child's teeth are smaller than adult teeth and it doesn't take long for a cavity to reach the pulp in the middle of the teeth where the nerves and blood vessels are. Once decay infects the pulp your child will develop severe pain and is at risk of developing a dental abscess. If not treated right away, the dental abscess can start to travel in the blood circulation and travel spread else where in your child's body.
During your child's visit, your children dentist can also examine for other common problemsand provide recommendations about common issues like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and baby bottle decay.
How do I prepare for the first visit?
When you schedule the appointment with a children dentist, ask the dental office for details about the process so you won’t be surprised. Gently explain to your child about what to expect when they go to the children dentist. Have a plan in place so that you are prepared whether your child has a positive or negative reaction to the visit.
What happens at this appointment?
Often, this first experience is just an opportunity to introduce your child to the children dentist and office. If the child cooperates, the visit may include an examination of the whole mouth, a gentle cleaning, and X-rays.
Once teeth being to erupt, you should have a children dentist check out your child’s mouth. Dental problems can start early, so the sooner the appointment, the better. Your child's teeth are smaller than adult teeth and it doesn't take long for a cavity to reach the pulp in the middle of the teeth where the nerves and blood vessels are. Once decay infects the pulp your child will develop severe pain and is at risk of developing a dental abscess. If not treated right away, the dental abscess can start to travel in the blood circulation and travel spread else where in your child's body.
During your child's visit, your children dentist can also examine for other common problemsand provide recommendations about common issues like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and baby bottle decay.
How do I prepare for the first visit?
When you schedule the appointment with a children dentist, ask the dental office for details about the process so you won’t be surprised. Gently explain to your child about what to expect when they go to the children dentist. Have a plan in place so that you are prepared whether your child has a positive or negative reaction to the visit.
What happens at this appointment?
Often, this first experience is just an opportunity to introduce your child to the children dentist and office. If the child cooperates, the visit may include an examination of the whole mouth, a gentle cleaning, and X-rays.
