My child's first dental visit?

[mattarogers]

What is a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. After competing four years of dental school, the pediatric dentist goes on for an additional two to three years of specialty training. Due to the specialty training, pediatric dental practices are dedicated to treating children from infancy through the **** years. Children's physical, psychological and emotional growth and development are areas expertise addressed in the specialty education. Just as important as the specialized education involved in becoming a pediatric dentist, the dentist and his staff should treat children because they want to and because they enjoy it.


When should my child have his/her first dental visit?

If your infant has any oral or dental condition that bothers you or appears to be out of the ordinary, then he/she should be seen regardless of age. In unique situations we have seen children as early as their first week of life. This includes any problems with trauma to the teeth or mouth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive an oral health risk *****sment by six months of age, and that they establish a dental home by 12 months of age. The reason for these recommendations is that some infants will develop cavities within months of the time that teeth erupt into the mouth. Often these early cavities are caused by feeding and oral hygiene habits. These early cavities may be avoided if the parents are counseled in these two areas as the first teeth are erupting.

We recommend that you come with your infant shortly after his/her first teeth have erupted. We will help you with home oral hygiene, diet, pacifier or finger habits, fluorides, toothpaste and injury prevention. Both Mom and Dad are welcome at these appointments. With professional gui***** and demonstration, effective prevention can be stress free, easy and fun for the whole family. Families who embrace early parental involvement in home dental care
for their children can, very predictably, expect a lifetime with few, if any, dental problems.

If you have older children who are already patients in the practice, then you already have a "dental home. " Additionally, you have been introduced to the home preventive dental care practices that we recommend. Use the same techniques that you have already seen and heard for your newest edition. If you are having any problems or concerns you are welcome to bring your infant along with your older children so that we can answer your questions. If you have older children in the practice, are comfortable with your home preventive dental care routine, and don't have any questions or concerns about the oral/dental health of your infant, we recommend that your child come for a first dental visit at age three.


What should I tell my child before the first visit?

When you talk with your child about his/her first dental visit we recommend that you emphasize both honesty and a positive attitude. Please do not talk to your child about any dental anxieties that you may have. "The dentist will be very kind and gentle when he counts your teeth," and "Mommy will be with you all the time," are good places to start. Answer all the questions that your child asks to the best of your ability without making a "big deal" out of the experience. I have found that mothers are very good at predicting their child's behavior for his/her first dental visit. Some children will feel more at ease if they know, in advance, every detail about the upcoming experience. Others do better if they know nothing at all. Remember, every child is an individual. Prepare your child so that he/she has the best chance for a good experience. We will use our training and experience along with the information that you give us to do the same.


What will happen at the first dental visit?

Together your dentist will review your child's health history, and will then discuss what your main concern is about your child's teeth and oral health. The dentist will examine your child's head, neck, teeth and intra-oral soft tissues. The occlusion, or the way that the teeth are aligned and function together, will also be evaluated. Radiographs or x-rays will be made only if they are needed to make an accurate and complete diagnosis of your child's dental health. The dentist should then discuss his findings from the examination and answer any questions that you have. Also, your child's teeth will be cleaned and he/she will be given a topical fluoride treatment.

www.carypediatricdentist.com
for more information on pediatric dentistry
Dr. Dan Howell Cary, NC

[bigtex22]

Good information, thanks for sharing.

[pennylane11284]

Dentists advise that parents bring their children to the dentist for their first check-up as soon as they turn 1. This will help prevent early development of tooth decay, and can also help children be unafraid of dental visits. Dentists Glendale