What to Know About Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Uncategorized

For most adults the dentist can be a scary experience, so we understand your reservations about bringing your baby to the dentist. But, good oral hygiene starts young, and so do dentist visits.

Your child should definitely make their first dentist visit before their first birthday. The general rule that most dentists follow is that the child should start seeing a dentist regularly six months after the eruption of the first tooth.

Bringing your infant to the dentist probably sounds like a lot to tackle, for you and for them. But, if you follow these simple guidelines then you’ll have no problem transitioning your child into a good oral health routine.

Be Prepared

Before the first visit make sure to discuss with your dentist what the appointment will be like. You’ll want to know what your child is going through so that you can explain to them beforehand what will happen. Usually, a first dental appointment is just an opportunity for the dentist to get to know the patient and do a check up.

Plan Ahead

We all know that our kiddos can have those days; the ones filled with tantrums, screaming, and general grumpiness. Plan ahead for that and be willing to reschedule if that’s the case. Or, if your child is compliant, then plan ahead and be ready to go through the process with them. Try to schedule an appointment in the morning when your child is most alert.

Be Patient

For kids under 36 months, you will sit in the chair and they will sit in your lap. It might not be ideal for you to have a wriggling infant on your lap who may start crying at any minute, but it will make it easier for them. If your child feels comfortable doing the exam, then expect it to last between 15 to 30 minutes. The dentist will do a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, jaw, and bite as well as do a gentle cleaning, conduct x-rays, and show them how to clean properly at home.

The first trip to the dentist can be pain free if you practice good oral health at home and follow these steps.

Source

Anxiety in the Dentist’s Chair

When some of us think of the dentist, we may feel anxious and frightened… so how do we conqueror such a fear? We need the dentist; they help make our smiles healthy and beautiful, so we can’t simply avoid them forever! Here is a look into dental anxiety, how it is caused, and how to […]

3 Tricks Dentists Use To Put You At Ease

Dental visits can often induce stress and anxiety. However, your comfort is your dentist’s top priority! To help make the experience more pleasant, dentists often use a few tricks to help patients feel at ease in the dentist chair. 1. Talking when they have tools in your mouth Ever wondered why dentists will make conversation […]

Coffee Stains Got You Down? Perk up

Sipping on a fresh cup of coffee to perk up in the morning is an activity cherished by many. The buzz of caffeine and the familiar taste of your favorite blend is a great way to start your day. However, consistent coffee intake can leave those pearly whites more than a little lackluster. If you […]

Try On A Crown?

Crowns, fillings, caps, veneers—your dentist is always using terms for different ways to give you your perfect smile… but what do they all mean? In this blog, we’ll be focusing on crowns—what they are, what they’re made of, and most importantly, how they could benefit you! You’ll be “crowned” an expert in no time. What […]

Stress Eating & Your Oral Health

While candy is a well-known culprit of tooth decay and cavities, it is also known as the downfall of many weight loss plans. When times get tough, we seem to always reach for the unhealthy treats, and it turns out that there is a scientific reason for us. A study done by scientists at the […]