Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
When Should Your Child See The Dentist For The First Time?
Eleanor Crawford
Your child's first visit to the dentist can be stressful and exciting. Knowing what to expect from the visit and when it should occur can help you prepare yourself and your child for the event.
When should your child see the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see the dentist by the time he or she turns one year old, or when the first tooth appears (whichever comes first).
What can you expect from your child's first visit to the dentist?
The first visit to the dentist will often focus a lot on developing a relationship between your child and the dentist. The dentist will ask to look inside your child's mouth for signs of plaque and early signs of dental problems. He or she may ask you to hold your child while you sit in the dentist's chair.
This will be a time when you can ask the dentist questions about caring for your child's teeth. The dentist will likely give you advice on how to brush a toddler's teeth and what you can do to keep your child's teeth healthy.
How can you make your child feel more comfortable at the dentist?
All children are different, so the best methods for making your child comfortable at the dentist will depend on your child's temperament. Since the dentist may touch your child's face and look in your child's mouth during the visit, it's a good idea to have a plan in mind for keeping your child calm.
If your child is shy or afraid of strangers, start talking about the dentist days in advance of the actual visit. Tell your child that you will be taking him or her to the dentist and what can be expected of a visit to the dentist. This may seem a little strange since your child will only be a baby, but your baby may understand more than you realize.
When it's time to go to the dentist, bring something with you that your child will find soothing (such as a blanket or a favorite toy). If your child is still nursing, you may want to nurse your child just before the appointment so he or she will feel the comfort and closeness gained by nursing.
Finally, bring your child to a dentist who has experience with pediatric patients that are the same age as your child. Dentists who have this kind of experience may know more tricks for soothing young children and may be more comfortable working around babies. When searching for a dentist for your child, call around and interview candidates before selecting the right practitioner for your child.
Following these tips, you should be able to make your child's visit to the dentist productive and enjoyable. For more information, contact your child's dentist before the first appointment.
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