If you are unsure of when to take your child for their first visit to the dentist, then you are not alone since a lot of new parents go through the same. You are not a bad parent if you have no clue about this either — take it as an opportunity to learn and pass the knowledge on to those who’ll need it in the future.
Even as a new parent, you know that the early relationship between dentists and kids is not always bright and sunny. Kids have not been known to light up at the mention of a dentist like they would at the mention of the tooth fairy, Santa or the ice cream truck. You have the opportunity to change this though.
One of the tricks a parent can use to endear the kids to the dentist is by making the dentist’s office a less intimidating place. You can do this by making your kid tag along when you go for dental checkups. This can be as early as even before any of their teeth start to grow. Let them play with some of the dentist’s safe tools such as probes and sit in the dentist’s chair. By the time they are old enough to start taking trips to the dentist’s office, it will feel like home.
Many parents reckon that their kid’s first trip to the dentist should be when most of their teeth have formed or when a dental problem arises. This is wrong according to experts. When it comes to your child’s dental health, you want to be proactive, not reactive; it’s recommended that you have them see a dentist the minute their first tooth erupts from the gums. If you need age specifics for this, then it’s recommended that your child see a dentist immediately after their first birthday.
After their second birthday, the child should immediately start having sessions with the dentist. The dentist will probe through the teeth for any cavities or crooked teeth. They will also check the gums for any sign of disease. In case any of these illnesses are detected, it’s great for them to be addressed early enough.
Children between the ages of 4 to 6 may undergo some X-ray tests in an attempt to detect any cavities that may exist in between the teeth. If you did a good job of exposing your child to the dentist’s office early on, then this process should be a piece of cake. At the end of your first visit, the dentist may ask some questions about your child’s daily dietary habits. They may subsequently advise you on what your child should eat, as well as what needs to be done regarding dental hygiene for your child. They are likely to also recommend a soft bristle brush for your child.
Contact us today with any additional questions you may have and our staff will be glad to help guide you in making the best decisions for your teeth and oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.tucsonazdentistry.com or call Advanced Family Dentistry at (520) 353-3002 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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