It is really import that your little one’s first trip to the dentist is positive, fun-filled and encouraging. This is the start of a long and happy relationship between your child, their teeth and their dental home.
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions from parents:
What age should I bring my child to the dentist?
It is recommended that a child visit the dentist by one-year-old, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This may sound a little ambitious but it is so important to familiarise your child with the sights, smells and sounds of the dental environment as early as possible. Also it is so important to get off to the right start with care of those little pearly whites.
How should I prepare?
The most important thing is to talk about the dental visit in a very positive, upbeat way (even if the thought of a visit makes your toes curl!). Just remember, your child has no negative associations with this exciting new experience so is likely to accept it in the same way as visiting a new park if you manage it well. Research have shown that children of dentally anxious patents are more likely to experience dental fear, so remember – fake it!
It is great to get some introduction books – there are lots on the market from Peppa Pig, Topsy and Tim to Dora the Explorer. Reading these books can be very helpful as well as practising lying back and doing a big wide open mouth while brushing teeth on the sofa. It can also be a good idea to bring your child along to a routine dental visit with you or an older sibling (once your dentist is happy with this). This will be a powerful modelling experience. Often in this situation your child will be dying for their own visit afterwards.
What should I expect to happen?
Don’t expect too much to happen at the first visit – the aim is just to keep it short and sweet. Your dentist will introduce your child to the environment in a child friendly manner. They may go for a spin on the magic chair and open wide to allow the teeth to be counted. This would be an excellent first visit – there would almost certainly be some stickers at the end as well. Your dentist will talk to you about tooth brushing, fluoride, toothpaste and diet – make sure you are doing all you can to prevent decay from ever occurring.
Who should I bring them to?
Any general dentist can see your child for their first visit, but some may welcome your little darling with more enthusiasm than others. A quick call to the dental reception will easily establish which dentist in a practise has the Midas touch with kiddies. There are lots of really good family practices that cater for all age groups in a warm friendly manner.
There are also paediatric dentists who specialise in the treatment of child dental patients. Paediatric dentists have studied general dentistry for five years then in addition have studied paediatric dentistry for another three years. Paediatric dentists are trained in all aspects of oral growth and development for both healthy children and those with underlying special medical or developmental needs. Paediatric dentists receive referrals from general dentists of cases that need specialist care, and also see healthy children too as education and prevention are their aim. Children receive treatment in the dental chair and can also be offered sedation or anaesthesia when necessary.
