Kids Dental Services
Did you know that the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child’s first dental visit be within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday? It is important to see kids from a young age so that the dentist can identify any developmental issues early on and discuss proper home care habits.
Kids and the Dentist
Many parents are often surprised by how early it is recommended to start seeing kids. Parents often think that because the baby teeth aren’t the permanent adult teeth, it is not as important to take care of them. Actually, it is the baby teeth that set the stage for healthy adult teeth. Although everyone is slightly different, most kids don’t lose their last baby tooth until they are around 12 years old!
How to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist:
One common concern that parents have is how their young child will behave during the appointment. Some children are more cooperative than others.
- We make it a priority to listen to the child. One of the worst things we could do is scare the child and introduce dental fear or anxiety.
- We want them to have a pleasant dental experience so that they do not develop or associate the dental office as a bad place.
- We are setting the child up for success and habits that will carry with them for the rest of their life.
- If you are nervous or have dental anxiety yourself, or maybe you have had a bad dental experience in the past, it is important that you do your best not to relay those emotions onto your child.
- Often, if parents are stressed and anxious, your child may become stressed and anxious.
- If you talk positively about the dental office, that will help reduce any fear or uncertainty that your child may have.
Baby's First Dental Visit:
Your baby’s first visit will be educational and typically consists of discussion between the parents and the dentist. The dentist will count teeth, evaluate your child’s gums and assess developmental growth, and will talk to you about the best ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy. We will discuss foods to avoid, baby bottle use and proper cleaning of your child’s teeth and gums.
What if my child has a cavity?
If it is determined that your child has a dental cavity or needs additional dental work, we have access to nitrous (laughing gas). Nitrous is a very effective and extremely safe way to make children more comfortable during dental procedures although it is not always needed. Talk to your dentist to see if this is an option for your child.
