First Dental visit
What to Expect At The First Visit
~ A comprehensive oral examination, caries risk assessment, radiographs, (only when needed), prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment.
~ A program of preventive home care including brushing, flossing, diet and the importance of fluorides.
~ Information about early childhood caries, which may be due to inappropriate nursing habits or inappropriate use of sippy cups.
~The latest facts about finger thumb and pacifier habits, and timeline of orthodontics.
~ What you need to know about preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth.
~Information on growth and development.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular dental visits for children at 1 year of age!
Let the first tooth remind you that it’s time to see your pediatric dentist.
If this is their first trip to the dentist, a parent will play a large role in preparing their child for their visit. Children are keen and can see if you are nervous or display any anxiety.
You can help to make their first trip to the dentist enjoyable and positive in what we do.
A few tips include using positive language around your child when discussing his/her first visit and role playing with your child such as counting teeth together. Children’s books and videos are available at most bookstores to also help with your first visit. Your child’s dental visit should be an important and fun adventure that if you are relaxed and positive about this experience, it will help them be positive, too.
The first visit will start with a review of your child’s medical and dental history and an initial examination, which includes “counting his/her teeth.” After a comprehensive examination of your child, any dental findings will be directly discussed with you. Dental X-rays (pictures) are taken, if necessary, to ensure a thorough examination followed by oral hygiene instructions to emphasize proper oral health care.
All aspects of a preventive dental health program including diet, hygiene and fluoride will also be discussed.
If your child is 3 or older, a cleaning and polishing of their teeth will usually follow along with fluoride application. For optimal communication, we will explain each of our procedures in terms your child can understand. We want to make your child’s first appointment a positive experience in order to set the tone for future appointments. If any dental findings indicate preventative or restorative treatment, than subsequent appointments may be scheduled.
It is always better to make a first dental appointment before your child has a dental problem. By starting an early prevention program, future dental problem can be avoided. Often times, if tooth decay is detected early enough, there are therapies available that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth. Furthermore, by introducing your child when little dental treatment is needed, he/she comes away a better patient with a more positive attitude about dentistry.