Are you preparing for your child’s first dental appointment? Then we have some valuable tips to help you and the little one prepare for what’s about to happen!
Experts recommended taking your child to a dentist for the first time within a few months if their first baby tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday.
It can feel strange to bring a child to the dentist at such a young age, but this first appointment can help set the stage for the rest of the little one’s oral health development.
Here’s what you can expect during this appointment:
What Does This First Appointment Even Involve?
Fairhope kids dentist Dr. Gene Brabston will want to inspect the baby’s erupting tooth, gums, jaws, and other soft tissue to make sure everything is okay.
This assessment can reveal quite a lot about your child’s oral health development and help parents better plan how to care for their little one’s dental health.
A lot of the time, this first appointment is more about the parents than the child! It’s the perfect opportunity to ask Dr. Brabston any questions you might have and get great tips on how to clean your child’s teeth properly.
In some cases, Dr. Brabston may recommend a gentle cleaning during this first appointment if he notices any signs of plaque and tartar, but it’s nothing to worry about!
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
This first appointment usually only lasts around 30 minutes. Still, children can be understandably distraught in new environments, so it’s best to take a few extra steps to make sure they remain perfectly comfortable:
- Book your appointment in the mornings so that your child isn’t too tired;
- If the child is old enough, explain what’s about to happen during this appointment;
- Talk to Dr. Brabston beforehand about any concerns you may have regarding this appointment;
- Tell Dr. Brabston a bit about what your child is like, such as if they’re prone to throw tantrums or ways to calm them down;
- Stop by the practice for a tour to help the child get more familiar with the environment;
- Have information about the family’s oral and general health history ready
How to Care for Your Child’s Oral Health
In general, taking care of the little one’s oral health involves:
- Gently cleaning the gums after feeding, even before the first teeth erupt;
- Brushing their teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush;
- Using non-fluoride toothpaste in the beginning, then adding tiny amounts of it after the child is 3 years old;
- Flossing the child’s teeth;
- Limiting foods and drinks that increase the risk for cavities, etc
Fairhope dentist Dr. Brabston will provide more tips tailored to your child’s specific needs after meeting them for the first time.
Schedule your visit at Living Oaks Dental online, or call (251) 928-1645 today.
Comments are closed.