A child’s journey to lifelong oral and dental health begins at an early age. Most professionals agree that a child’s first visit to the dentist should be scheduled around the time they reach six months of age or at such time as when their first tooth erupts.
At Coast Family Dental we know that a child’s first visit to a dentist sets the tone for a lifetime of proper dental care and support. We take care to ensure that both parents and child are comfortable and relaxed throughout the experience.
A Childs First Dental Visit at Coast Family Dental
The first dental visit is generally short, generally lasting between 30-45 minutes, and often involves little if any treatment. The first appointment provides your children an opportunity to meet their new dentist in a friendly setting and to forge a lasting and positive relationship with their oral health.
Your child’s first exam will be basic yet thorough, looking for signs of tooth decay, evaluating alignment of bite and more. Depending on the age of your child, x-rays, or a gentle cleaning may be suggested. If your child is old enough your dentist may demonstrate to them (and you) proper home cleaning routines such as brushing or flossing. Learning to adopt these habits early on can have a lasting positive impact on dental health throughout their life.
It is not uncommon for dentists to suggest that your child sees them once every six months in order to develop a healthy relationship with their dental health and maintenance as well as to boost confidence and calm any anxiety or fear they may have of the dentist. As it relates to children’s dentistry, closer set appointments also allows your dentist to keep a careful and watchful eye for any issues that arise as your child quickly grows. Addressing any concerns early on can save time, money and frustration later on.
Preparing for a First Dental Visit At Coast Family Dental
It is generally suggested that morning appointments, when your child is well rested and ready to tackle the day ahead, are best suited for young children. Allow additional time to fill out a complete medical history and provide any relevant health information on provided forms.
If your child is in pre-school or older, it helps to talk them through what to expect, as does explaining the importance of going to the dentist.
Check out our video’s on What to expect from your visit at Coast Family Dental!
Children Dentistry at its Best
At Coast Family Dental, our caring team of passionate, dedicated and experienced dentists are ready to help you and your child begin a lifelong journey of dental health. Let us make sure your child smiles bright and proud their whole life.