SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE BABY TEETH ARE NOT IMPORTANT because they’re temporary. Not only is that incorrect, it can be dangerous. The health of baby teeth can affect permanent teeth, not to mention speech and jaw development. To better ensure good oral health, you and your child should come in and visit with us.
When Should A Child First Visit The Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says “first visit by first birthday.” Some experts recommend visiting the dentist within 6 months of the arrival of your child’s first tooth. If you have questions or concerns before either of these times, don’t hesitate to call.
What To Expect At The First Visit
- We’ll examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and bite.
- Our team will visit with you about age-specific dental health tips for your child.
- The first visits to our office are always free, under the age of 4.
- We wait until after age 6 for first x-rays and often wait until age 4 or more for professional hygiene to start.
It is our opportunity to build trust, to let your child get used to the dental environment, to understand that they are still in control, and to catch problems early while they are still easy to correct.
Ways To Make Your Child Feel Safe And Comfortable
Sometimes, a first time dental visit can be challenging for a little one. You can help us ensure your child’s visit is comfortable by following some tips:
- Consider playing “open your mouth so I can count your teeth” with your child at home. This may help remove fear.
- Stay with your child throughout the visit. If necessary, you may want to hold your child during the exam.
- We welcome all families. Good healthcare can be fun.
We’re Here To Help
We’re here to help you help your child. If you have any questions please send them our way. You can call us or reach out to us on Facebook. We’re excited to join forces to make sure your child has excellent oral health.
