Your Infant's 1st Visit:
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Our goal is to make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
It is best to refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to a child. For example, we will substitute child friendly names like Mr. Thirsty, spin brush, sleepy drops, gentle wiggle for words like suction, drill, novacaine, and extraction. The most important part of a child's first visit is for the child and parent to get to know and become comfortable with our doctors and staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. At subsequent recall visits and once a child feels comfortable at our office we encourage he or she to walk back to the treatment room with the dental hygienist or dental assistant while the parent remains in the waiting room. This allows us to continue to build a secure and comfortable relationship with the child and it gives the child the confidence and belief that a visit to the dentist can be fun and is nothing to worry or become anxious about. We find when the parent is present, their attention to us is divided. All children are unique and it may take some longer than others to feel comfortable and be able to come in without their parent--and that is ok. We evaluate all of our patients individually based on their own personal needs and take these needs into consideration before making any recommendations. If we request a parent's presence, we ask that only one parent be in the operatory and other family members stay in the reception room in order to limit potential distractions.
Brushing techniques, flossing, healthy snacks and fluoride recommendations are just some of the topics discussed during your child's initial cleaning and exam appointment.