Pediatric dentistry is tailored to make sure that children, teens and infants receive good quality dental care. But parents are often not sure when to take to their children to pediatric dentists for the first time. It is always advisable to take your child to the dentist at a young age. Dentists often recommend taking your child within six months of the first tooth coming in or by about 12 months at the latest.
First pediatric dentistry visit
It is very important to take a child to a pediatric dentist at a young age. As soon as a baby has teeth, the kid can get cavities. Being proactive about a child’s dental health can help keep the kid’s smile healthy for life. Dental visits are often informative in nature. Even at an early age, oral health care providers can help establish a proper oral care routine that can help a child for decades.
How to prepare for the visit
Parents should get their children ready for the first visit early. Kids should know in advance what is going to happen. The child should practice opening the mouth. This will help the kid get ready for when the pediatric dentist will count and check the teeth. The child can also benefit from watching videos and reading books about first dental visits. It can assist the kid to become less fearful.
Parents should also prepare for the visit. When making the appointment, the parent should ask for the patient forms ahead of time. It may be easier and quicker to fill the necessary forms at home instead of at the dental office on the day of the visit. The parent should also make a list of questions. If the child is teething, sucking the thumb or using the pacifier too much, the pediatric dentist can offer some advice.
What to expect
During the first visit, the dentist will examine the child to ensure the teeth and jaw are developing the right way. The dentist will check for cavities and mouth injuries. The dentist will also clean the kid’s teeth. The parents will be educated on the proper tooth and gum care for babies.
The parent should talk to the dentist about pacifier use and how proper nutrition can help maintain healthy teeth. An oral health care provider may also demonstrate proper brushing techniques for parents. This knowledge should help them assist their children with oral care. At the end of the appointment, parents will be given the opportunity to ask questions. If the child wiggles or cries a little during the exam, the parent should not worry. It is normal and the dental team fully understands that it is a new experience for the child.
Visit a pediatric dentist
Parents should establish a good working relationship with the pediatric dentist. This will help ensure the child receives proper dental care starting at an early age. Taking a child to the dentist early can also help the kid get accustomed to a proper oral care routine. If you have any questions about the first pediatric dentistry visit, talk to your pediatric dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Kids dentist practices are key to establishing a positive outlook on dental care, especially when guiding children through the early stages of oral health. Finding the right provider can transform what might otherwise feel like a stressful appointment into a comfortable, beneficial experience. Pediatric dentistry involves more than fixing cavities; it focuses on teaching proper…
Dental fillings can consist of composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, metal, and more. Pediatric dentists use traditional and tooth-colored fillings to close small holes in the teeth, commonly caused by cavities (extremely common in children). The dentist will extract decayed tissues and replace them with one of these filling materials. Dental fillings usually last many years before…
Even with healthy oral habits, children can find themselves in need of dental restoration. Tooth-colored fillings allow pediatric dentists to provide their patients with aesthetically pleasing results. Here are some details on choosing this restorative option to repair dental cavities.Today, patients want teeth to look natural when laughing or smiling, as this can affect their…
In the past, traditional metal fillings were used to treat cavities. However, they tend to stand out against teeth and can look unnatural. Today, more parents prefer composite fillings for their children. These fillings serve the same purpose but with more natural-looking results. Dental fillings are relatively straightforward and do not require much aftercare. However,…