There are a few things you should know before taking your child to the dentist.
If you haven’t brought your child in for their first dental visit yet, it might be time to make an appointment. Here’s what you should know about the experience, and how you can prepare for it.
Bring them in early
Your little one may seem too small for dental visits, but we recommend you bring your child in for their first appointment soon after their first tooth erupts or at least by the time they are one year old. The earlier you bring your child in to see us, the more likely it is that they will feel comfortable with the environment and sensation of having their teeth checked.
In fact, if dental check-ups become a part of their routine from a young age, they are less likely to feel anxious or nervous about the visits. Also, early visits will allow us to identify and treat any issues as quickly as possible before they turn into bigger problems.
Choose the right dentist
All parents want the best for their children, and it’s no different when it comes to dental care. Dr Andrew Hall believes that preventative dentistry is the best form of treatment, and he loves helping patients of all ages to avoid oral health issues. Also, the team at The Studio of Exceptional Dentistry prides itself on creating a welcoming and friendly environment, and we will ensure your child feels at ease throughout their time at our practice.
Know what to expect
In most cases, you can expect your child’s first visit to our practice to be fairly short. We won’t overwhelm your little one, we will perform a simple examination to check for any signs of tooth decay. We will also look at the gums, jaw and bite to check for any abnormalities. Depending on your child’s age, we may recommend a professional teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment, but Dr Andrew Hall will discuss these treatments with you before going ahead.
Dental check-up appointments are also a great time to discuss good oral hygiene and Dr Hall will let you know if there is anything that can be improved upon. We also encourage you to ask any questions you might have about proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as good nutrition for children.
Make it fun
One of the best things you can do for your child when it comes to dental visits is to maintain a positive attitude. If you are relaxed about the experience, they are likely to feel the same way. Use positive language when discussing the appointment, and consider bringing along toys, books and other distractions for the waiting room. Depending on the age of your child, you can also prepare them for the appointment by showing them picture books about what a dentist does or role-playing with some of their favorite dolls or teddy bears.
Come in often
We encourage you to bring your child in for dental visits every six months. This will allow us to provide treatment early if it is required. At each check-up, Dr Hall will check for irregularities like cavities and gum disease and offer oral hygiene tips and advice. Regular dental visits are a very helpful way of maintaining oral health in the long-term, so we encourage you to make them part of your family’s routine. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice!
If you are ready to make an appointment for your little one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Dr Andrew Hall makes sure that each of his patients is well taken care of, no matter their age!
