Most parents do not take their children to see a family dentist until they are well over two years of age. Dental professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist within six months after teething starts. Baby teeth often start coming in from six months of age. Continue reading to learn more about children’s dental appointments.
If the child’s first dental appointment is only a meeting with the dentist, then taking them at age two might be more realistic and appropriate. However, that first appointment might be because of an emergency. Children can be unpredictable, and if they had a bad fall at the playground and chipped or broke their teeth, their first appointment might be one born of trauma. Now, the chances are that the child may have difficulty letting a stranger touch or treat them.
Sadly, these cases occur regularly, where a child’s first dental visit is because of a dental emergency, and it is almost impossible to get the child to cooperate. Often, drastic measures need to be taken so the dentist can examine the child and repair the damaged tooth. This is why family dentists usually recommend that parents bring the child to the dental office during their dental appointment.
The first appointment is not exactly for any major procedure. It is more for getting the child accustomed to the dentist’s office and exploring the different tools, and probably even sitting in the dental chair. The dental office is designed to keep the child comfortable, with lots of games, toys, and other entertainment options to keep them engaged. When the child is at ease, they might be more willing to let the dentist take a peek into their mouth.
The first appointment serves different purposes. It gets the child familiar with the dental team and office setting in a non-threatening setting – building trust is easier. Also, it allows the dentist to perform a quick dental exam. They will examine the child’s jaw, teeth, gums, and bite alignment, looking for signs of tooth decay or issues that may affect normal oral development or speech. The dentist will also discuss good oral hygiene, and the child will learn how to brush and floss in fun ways. This approach ensures that children cultivate a habit of preventive dental care throughout their lives.
After the first appointment, dental professionals recommend that children visit the office every six months, except for an emergency. The dentist will continue from the last appointment and determine if the child needs any form of preventive or interventive care. For instance, they might recommend dental sealants or fluoride application. When the child clocks three, they have full dental appointments, which may include dental x-rays and dental cleaning.
It is important that you do not wait until there is a dental emergency before taking the child to visit the family dentist. Book an appointment as soon as the child’s teeth start coming in.
Request an appointment here: https://columbiadentaloffice.com or call Columbia Advanced Dental Studio at (410) 635-5105 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Columbia, MD.
One of the concerns parents often have about their children is the need to get a dental x-ray at the family dentist. The worry stems from the safety of x-rays and radiation exposure. Some parents think x-rays are not required until the child has permanent teeth. Continue reading to know when to take your child…
Family dentists are great resources to utilize when looking to prevent bad breath. They are skilled dental professionals who have undergone extensive training to diagnose, manage and treat bad breath, which makes them experts at providing prevention tips to individuals suffering from a foul odor in the oral cavity. Want to learn more about bad breath…
A typical day in the average American household includes many things: soccer games, determining what to cook (or pick up) for lunch or dinner, carpools, dance lessons, after-school events, school board conferences and the list goes on.It's remarkable how we manage to be everywhere at once and not explode from the pressure. On top of…
While many parents remind their children and ensure that they brush their teeth on a regular basis, children need professional dental care at a dentist. Along with specialized care toward children, there are also other steps parents can take to ensure their children have healthy teeth. As a family dentist, we suggest taking the following…