Experts recommend that a child’s first dental visit should be by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in. Some dentists recommend that a child should see a dentist for the first time by their first birthday – with two-time annual dental check-ups. For toddlers, the first trip to the dentist might be a scary thing. Be sure that loud noises, new faces and strange instruments can make your child upset. Here are some things you need to do before your child’s first trip to the dentist.
Health Information
It is best that you provide your child’s dentist with all of the medical conditions of your child, or if he or she is taking any medication. You should also keep your paediatrician’s contact information should the dentist need additional health information. If your child has a sucking habit, inform the dentist too, as that habit might affect your child’s teeth and jaws.
Orientation
It’s important to have a talk with your child as to what will happen. It’s best to practice brushing with your child before going to the dentist’s office, so that your child will be used to having a toothbrush in his or her mouth.
The First Visit
The actual visit is going to be short and informal. The dentist will want to meet and greet the child for the first time, and to build some level of trust. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, the parents might be asked to hold the child while the dentist looks around his or her mouth. The parents might also be asked to sit in the waiting room so the toddler can have some quality time with the dentist and staff on his or her own.
Schedule
The dentist will let you know when the next visit will be and this will be based on how your toddler’s teeth look. It is important not to miss out on your dentist’s appointment especially with your kids.
Dr. Lean and the team are keen on providing comfortable dental services to both kids and adults. Contact us today if your kid needs to have his or her first dental visit. See you soon!
