Preparing For Your Child’s First Trip To The Dentist

Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist at least once by their first birthday. The rationale behind the recommendation by the AAPD is that children today are developing cavities at younger ages. Approximately 25 percent of children have one or more cavities by the time they are four years old. Glendale pediatric dentists have detected cavities in children as young as two years old.

How to Choose the Right Dentist for Your Child

A skilled Glendale AZ pediatric dentist speaks directly to your child, even if he or she doesn’t have the verbal skills to respond. The dentist should patiently answer all of your questions and understand that you have to attend to your child while listening to the answers. Make sure that you and your child feel comfortable with the dentist, and that the office is well set up for children, as this will ensure happy visits and a good dental experience overall.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Visit to the Dentist

Your goal for your baby’s first dentist appointment is to make him or her as comfortable as possible. The tone that is set at this first appointment is very important because it shapes the way your child views going to the dentist. If you have other children, get a babysitter if possible. This will prevent you from having to deal with multiple distractions while talking to your child’s dentist. It is also helpful to have another adult accompany you to the appointment. This person can care for your child while you speak to the dentist.

To reduce your child’s stress, be sure to bring along a favorite blanket or toy. Having something familiar along will help him or her adjust to the new surroundings more easily. Be certain that you bring along a clean diaper and a drink or snack. Your child is likely to behave better when he or she is comfortable and not overly hungry or thirsty. Also, never schedule an appointment during or close to your child’s regular nap time. This is just a disaster waiting to happen.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Pediatric dentistry has many things in common with dental appointments for adults. You can expect to spend some time discussing your child’s health and development, especially in regards to teething. You should let the dentist in Glendale know about any oral habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Once the dentist has gathered your child’s health history, it is time for the actual examination to begin. You can make this part of the appointment go faster by having paperwork completed prior to the appointment.

It takes a different approach to examine a one-year-old’s teeth than it does with an older child or adult. The dentist may ask you to sit in a chair opposite of him or her with your child in your lap. This gives the dentist the opportunity to look for early dental problems as well as advise you on proper oral care. Depending on the condition of your baby’s teeth, the dentist may quickly clean them with a small toothbrush and a fluoride treatment.

At the conclusion of the appointment, your child’s dentist should let you know about teething milestones and the likelihood of him or her developing dental problems. Be certain to ask about a schedule for follow-up visits before taking your child home. You should also praise your child for cooperating with the dentist and give him or her extra hugs and kisses.