Parents often find themselves unsure about when to take their child to a pediatric dentist for the first time. After that first tooth appears, it can be agonizing to decide whether to visit the dentist right away or wait until the first serious problem occurs. Experts agree that the best course of action is to bring them to a children’s dentist the moment their first tooth breaks out of their gums and no later than the age of two. This visit is less for doing any real work and more about introducing your child to the dentist’s office, allowing him or her to explore various instruments, and even take a ride in the chair. Only after they have grown comfortable will their dentist take a look into their mouth.
Accomplishing Three Goals
A pediatric dentist in Cedar Rapids, IA will try to accomplish three things during your child’s first visit. First, they will want to familiarize your child with the staff of the facility and the office environment in a way that is non-threatening. This enables them to begin to build trust with the child so that he or she will feel more at ease while in the dental chair. Facilities such as Lindale Dental Care also introduce your child (and you) to the specific language the office uses to reduce fear often associated with certain dental tools, such as the probe. Finally, it allows the dentist to perform a quick examination of the new tooth or teeth for decay as well as the gums, jaw and bite strength.
How Often to Return
Going forward from that first visit, it is important that you take your child to a pediatric dentist every six months unless an issue should arise sooner, such as a lisp or teeth grinding. Expect the dentist to build on what was accomplished during the first visit and add a step at each subsequent appointment. For example, your dentist may count the child’s teeth during the second visit and then brush them with polishing paste. On the third visit, they might add fluoride after that. Whatever you do, building trust is the best way to make dental visits easier.
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