As a parent, you want your child to be healthy and hygienic so they can have a productive lifestyle. Have you considered when to take your child in for their first dental checkup? Or how to create productive oral routines that prevent cavities? Your dentist in Altavista breaks down what to expect for your child’s first visit and how to encourage your child to love dental hygiene.
When Do I Schedule Their First Cleaning?
When you have your child, nobody gives you a manual on how they’re supposed to develop or what kind of good habits you should encourage. So how should you know when to schedule their first appointment? Your child’s teeth exist before you can see them, so healthy teeth and gums are important from the time they’re born. It’s a good idea to schedule their first dentist visit within six months after their first tooth appears or by the time they turn one year old. When their teeth start to show, you can brush them with a small rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to keep their smile healthy, and when their teeth start to touch, you can floss them.
How Should I Prepare My Child for Their First Visit?
There are a few ways to prepare your child, so they have the best possible first visit:
- Don’t surprise your child with the visit. Instead, sit them down and talk them through what to expect.
- Make sure to schedule your appointment earlier in the day to ensure they are well-rested and fed so they don’t get fussy.
- You’ll want to bring a list of any medications that your child is taking and be prepared to fill out a health history form.
- If you have an older child that has anxiety about visiting the dentist, be sure to speak to them about the benefits of going. There are even books you could read your child to ease any worries they may have about the visit.
When you take your child to their first appointment, your dentist will explain how to take care of their teeth and gums by brushing and flossing their teeth as well as taking care of their gums. If they have a problem with an underbite or overbite, your dentist can refer them to a specialist so these problems can be corrected. They will count and check all your child’s teeth and show them the proper way to brush and floss. This is also a good time for you, as a parent, to ask any questions you may have about their oral routines.
How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities?
Children are highly susceptible to cavities, especially if harmful bacteria aren’t being frequently rinsed from their mouth. To avoid your child from needing fillings, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of sugary foods and juices they consume. These can erode your child’s enamel and create feeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Be sure that your child gets enough fluoride, but be careful they don’t get too much because it can cause discoloration. Also, make sure your child is brushing twice a day, and flossing. You can also check with your dentist to see if they’re able to use antibacterial mouth rinse.
By taking them in so early, you can help avoid the development of dental fears and oral health problems like tooth decay. Provide your son or daughter with a great oral foundation so they can have a bright smile as an adult. Be sure to schedule their appointment as soon as possible so you can keep small problems from turning into large ones!
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, our top priority is to provide our patients and their families with healthy and whole smiles. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest dental advancements and work to always improve. We provide you with an entire spectrum of dental services, which saves you time and money. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at 434-215-0363.