It is never too soon to establish a healthy foundation for your child’s oral health. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that your baby see the dentist before their first birthday, or six months after their first tooth erupts. This will help to make sure there are no developmental problems and the goal is to give your child a pleasant first experience at the dental office as well as set the groundwork for future positive experiences.
Your child’s first dental visit will help them become familiar with the dental office in a pleasant environment while building trust with the dental team. This initial visit will likely take no more than thirty minutes.
What to expect:
–Baby’s teeth, jaw, gums, and bite will be carefully and gently checked to rule out any problems.
–A gentle cleaning may be done if necessary.
–You will be shown how to clean your child’s teeth.
–Your dentist will check to see if fluoride may be needed.
During this visit it will be a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about your child’s oral health. You will learn how to care for your child’s developing teeth, how to use fluoride properly, how to handle your child’s oral habits such as thumb sucking, how to help during the discomfort of teething, how your child is progressing developmentally, how to avoid accidents that could harm your child’s teeth, and how to use healthful dietary habits to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
It is helpful to schedule the visit in the morning to minimize your child’s tiredness and overall mood. This will help them feel more calm and cooperative, making it a happy experience for everyone. We invite you to call our Pearl River Dental team at [phone] today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. Together, we will help keep your child smiling!