In childhood, everything happens for the first time: the first step, the first word, the first love and the first job... The path from youth to adulthood is full of new discoveries, experiences and experiences. One of the most important first steps that can save you from dental problems throughout your life is the first visit to the dentist. A successful first visit to the dentist will help your child form a positive impression, which will make each subsequent visit to the dentist much easier for both the child and you.
When should you take your child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents have their initial dental check-up when their child is one year old or within six months of the first tooth coming in. However, most children do not visit a family dentist before the age of 2. But this is much later than doctors and dentists combined!
Not too long ago, Delta Dental magazine conducted a survey on oral health, according to which the reason for not visiting the dentist by children under the age of two was voiced by parents as follows: 62% of respondents said that "the child is still too young" or "he has still too few teeth. However, a visit to the dentist is a life-saving procedure for babies under 1 year of age, as dental and gum disease can start as soon as the first tooth appears. As a child grows older, more dental problems may accumulate that could have been avoided at an earlier age.
Why are milk teeth important?
There are many reasons why you should pay attention to your child's milk teeth. Healthy baby teeth before they fall out are:
- Well-chewed food, and therefore proper digestion
- Correct speech development
- A good basis for the correct positioning of permanent teeth
- Beautiful smile and great mood.
What to expect during the first visit to the dentist?
Many first visits to the dentist are designed specifically to introduce the child to the doctor and the dental office. It is best to schedule a meeting at the beginning of the day when the baby is most active. The visit can last from 15 to 30 minutes, and depending on the age of the child, includes:
- Careful but thorough examination of the oral cavity: teeth, jaw, gums and soft tissues in order to control growth and development, as well as to identify problem areas;
- If necessary, a gentle cleaning is performed, including polishing the teeth and removing any deposits, including tartar and stains;
- X-ray examination;
- An explanation of how to properly brush your teeth at home;
- The need for fluoride toothpaste is assessed.
The doctor must answer all your questions in great detail, and also do everything to make the child feel comfortable during the appointment. The entire dental team must demonstrate a friendly attitude, not seem threatening to the baby.
Preparing for the first visit
When planning the first appointment, ask the doctor about all the procedures that will be performed on the baby, so that later you will not have any unpleasant surprises. Think over your actions in case the child refuses to open his mouth. During the reception, be calm, balanced and patient so that you can calm the baby if necessary. Before visiting the dentist, talk to your child about what to expect, get them interested, and help them understand why visiting the dentist is important. Be sure to take your medical card with you to your appointment. There are other ways to prepare yourself and your child for the first dentist appointment, including:
- Example. Take your child with you to the dentist's appointment so that he can see how the doctor examines and cleans your teeth. So the child will not be afraid.
- Knowledge. Read special educational books or watch shows with your child. So the baby will be able to learn why it is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and visit a doctor.
- A game. Play with the baby in the dentist and the patient. Take turns looking at and counting each other's teeth, using a mirror and fingers. So the baby will get acquainted with the feeling of a dental examination.
Finding a Good Pediatric Dentist
Many "adult" dentists also treat children. To become a pediatric dentist, a doctor needs at least two more years of study after graduating from a medical university. Additional education focuses on the dental care of a developing child, the characteristics of children's behavior, physical growth, development, as well as the special intricacies of pediatric dentistry. Despite this, any dentist (children's or not) is able to verbally advise parents about the health of the teeth and the needs of the child. If the child has special needs, it is better to seek help from a pediatric dentist. Your family dentist or pediatrician can recommend a specialist who will suit your child.
