Your Child’s First Dental Visit
At what age should children have their first visit to a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend an early dental visit for your infant at age twelve months. Today, 8% of our nation’s infants and toddlers have “Early Childhood Caries”, formerly called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Waiting until age three for the first dental visit is too late because the research shows that almost 18% of three year olds already have more than one cavity. We at All Kids Dental offer a no charge initial visit for infants and toddlers up to age 18 months. This “well baby check” will not only provide your child a “dental home” but will also provide infant oral health information that will help your child become a cavity-free adult.
Why should a parent choose a pediatric dentist?
Just as a pediatrician cares for a child’s medical needs, a pediatric dentist does the same for a child’s oral health and dental needs. Pediatric dentists specialize in the care of children from infancy through the teenage years and have two years of specialty training beyond dental school. Most are hospital trained with significant study devoted to the psychological aspects of guiding children through the dental experience. Just as children are not small adults, baby teeth are not just smaller permanent teeth. Baby teeth have less enamel, relatively larger nerves and decay at a much faster rate. The doctors at All Kids Dental have the training, the facility and the pediatric size instruments and equipment to be able to properly care for your child. We can offer multiple approaches to help your child gracefully through any dental treatment that may be needed.
What happens during the dental visit?
First time oral health visits are primarily used to assess your child’s risk for dental disease, begin a dental preventive program and determine the most appropriate dental appointment schedule for your child. During your child’s first visit, the dentist will:
- Review your child’s medical and dental history.
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Evaluate your child’s oral hygiene.
- Examine your child’s mouth.
- Obtain appropriate dental radiographs.
- Explain age-appropriate oral hygiene techniques.
- Recommend a preventive protocol (prescription fluoride pastes, chlorhexidine varnish, Xylitol gums and mints, as well as the newer probiotic approaches).
How should I prepare my child for the first dental visit?
Parents, as well as children, can be apprehensive about the first dental visit. Try not to make a big deal out of the dental visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear such as “needle”, “shot” or “drill”. We are experienced in dealing with children and will explain procedures in a positive and pleasant manner. Here are a few suggestions to help make the first visit go smoothly:
- Read your child a story about going to the dentist (Ask Vicki about books available in our display case).
- Inform our staff about any medical or psychological issues that concern you.
- Make sure your child is well-rested before the dental appointment.
- Play “dentist” with your child at home. Pretend that you are counting their teeth then switch roles and let your child be the “dentist”.
- If your child is at the right age, openly discuss his or her questions or concerns.
- Please do not convey your anxiety about the dental visit to your child.
- Do not use negative words like “hurt”, “shot”, “needle” or “drill”.
- Do not become upset if your child cries during the first visit. This is normal behavior for young children, toddlers and infants.
- Feel free to discuss any questions and concerns with the doctor and staff.