Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
As a new parent, you might wonder at what age you should take your child to visit the dentist. According to pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, all children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. This comes as a surprise to many parents. After all, at age one, your child might only have a couple teeth. Many parents don’t even realize that they should be brushing their child’s teeth at this age. Visiting the dentist by age one is actually quite necessary. Preschool aged children are getting cavities at an increasingly high rate. Many children experience cavities by the age of just two years old, and more than 25% of children by the age of four years old have had at least one cavity.
For these reasons, it is important that your child visit the dentist by his/her first birthday. This visit will help you to learn about your child’s risk of developing cavities. The dentist and dental hygienist will instruct you at the visit about how to prevent cavities through proper diet, dental hygiene, and the proper use of fluoride.
In addition to these topics, you will discuss other dental care topics with the dentist and staff at your child’s first visit. You will learn how to care for the oral health of a baby or toddler, including what kind of toothpaste to use and how often to brush. The dentist will also discuss habits like thumb sucking that can affect your child’s oral health, as well as teething and related developmental milestones.
At your child’s first visit to the dentist, you will receive a recommended treatment plan, including how often your child should return for regular checkups and cleanings. Typically, children are advised to see the dentist every six months. However, your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your child’s particular needs and cavity risk.
Preparing for the First Visit
There are several things that you can do to make your child’s first visit to the dentist go more smoothly.
When you call to make the appointment, the office staff may ask for your address so that they can mail paperwork to you to fill out before the appointment. Taking the time to complete the medical and dental history forms as well as insurance forms at home will make your visit to the dentist’s office much simpler.
You might want to take a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that is comforting for your child. However, be careful not to alarm your child or give him any reason to think that he should be afraid. As adults, we sometimes pass on our fears of going to the dentist to our children. Kids often see going to the dentist as a new and interesting experience if we don’t show them otherwise.
The dentist will examine your child’s teeth, probably while you hold your child in your lap. Your child might also have his teeth cleaned. You will discuss things like thumb sucking, teething, and how to clean and care for your child’s teeth. Your child might receive a fluoride treatment, particularly if he is at high risk for cavities.
If your child’s first birthday is approaching or you have an older child who still needs to make his first visit to the dentist, contact Tustin Pediatric Dentistry. We have three board certified pediatric dentists who care for kids from cradle through college. We care for your child in an environment that is calm and fun, so that going to the dentist is a great experience for everyone. Call Tustin Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment today. Fill out the Health History Form and bring the completed form with you for your child’s first visit.
