West Edmonton Dentist, Dr. Bains recommends that you take your child to their first dental visit by their very first birthday or within 6 months of getting their first baby tooth.
For someone so young, the loud noises, new surroundings, as well as all the strange people and equipment can create an overwhelming experience that could negatively impact their future visits and overall dental hygiene. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your child has healthy, strong teeth and a positive attitude towards going to the dentist.
Here are three tips for making your child’s first dental visit a big success.
Choose the Right Dentist
Choosing a family dentist is important because they have the experience and expertise when it comes to teeth cleaning for toddlers. Not only will the staff be better equipped to handle temper tantrums but they will also use more kid-friendly procedures. There have been advances in dental technology and procedures that can make any dental treatment more enjoyable for your child. Finally, family dentists have child-oriented facilities with designs and activities aimed at entertaining and educating your child about good dental hygiene.
To create a successful dental visit for your child, it is important to schedule the dental appointment at a time when your child is fresh and ready for a new adventure! Be proactive to let your child have a positive dental experience before any dental problems arise in the future.
Choose a dentist office that is conveniently located to your home or work. Call ahead and find out whether they have a flexible appointment policy that includes weekend or morning hours. Do not forget to ask whether they charge for missed appointments or if you have to cancel within a certain time period.
Teach Your Child About Teeth
A good way to make your child more comfortable with things like a teeth cleaning is to incorporate dental hygiene into their play time. Pick up a book about going to the dentist to read to your child at bedtime. You could also invite your child and their toys to play an imaginary dental appointment game. Use things like a spoon as a tongue depressor, a flashlight to look inside the mouth, as well as a toothbrush and rinse cup to simulate the experience for your child. Let them play each part – the dentist and the patient – so that your child feels comfortable when they go to the real thing.
In the event that your child has orthodontic needs, setting your child up for success in the first visit will help to support in compliance when they do go on for more involved care, like orthodontic treatment.
Be a Dental Hygiene Role Model
As you already know, your kids watch you and mimic your words and actions. Demonstrating good dental hygiene is a great way to help your children understand that going to the dentist is good for them and not scary. Make sure that you are brushing, flossing, and rinsing so your child will experience how important it is to take care of their teeth.
If you have any questions about preparing your child for their first dental visit or need to schedule their first dental appointment, feel free to call Lewis Estates Dental Centre as they are more than happy to answers any questions.