Surely, taking your toddler to their first dentist appointment may turn out to be quite a challenge. You must wonder how will they react to bright lights and unusual sounds around as well as an unknown person examining their mouth. However, a dental checkup at a young age is important to establish the basis for future dental health.
According to specialists, it is recommended to make your first appointment during the first year of your child’s life, no later than six months after your baby’s first tooth erupts.
The Importance of Early Dental Health Checkups
In addition to detecting any abnormalities in development, such checkups help prevent future tooth decay and provide you with sufficient information about dental hygiene care. Although your baby’s teeth will eventually grow away, they still play a vital role in providing proper space for permanent adult teeth, helping to develop good pronunciation skills and allowing your child to eat healthy foods.
What Will Happen During the Appointment
A Thorough Exam
As soon as your trusted pediatric dentist in Oklahoma City examines your child’s teeth, mouth, bite, jaws, and gums, they look for possible cavities or other abnormalities. The examination will go much quicker if your toddler sits on your lap, and you sit on the dentist’s lap, which makes them feel safe and comfortable. It is called a knee-to-knee exam.
Fast Cleaning of Your Child’s Teeth
After checking teeth for cavities, specialists clean them with special small-bristle brushes, thus polishing the enamel. This part lasts for just a few minutes, but it gives you an opportunity to familiarize your child with a professional brushing of teeth.
Fluoride Application
Finally, specialists apply fluoride on your baby’s teeth with the use of a little brush, which takes about a minute to complete. Most children easily undergo such a treatment due to the kid-friendly taste of the substance and its comfort level.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Appointment
It is crucial how you prepare your child before this appointment. You can tell them stories or watch movies on going to the dentist. Playing dentist at home may be quite helpful too. Explain everything about the procedure in positive words and avoid mentioning any negative aspects, such as pain, shot, or drilling.
Also, choose the time for your appointment when your child feels well physically and emotionally. It means that you should not take them to the doctor if your baby is tired or hungry as you risk hearing loud cries of your child who refuses opening their mouth.
Creating a Pleasing Experience
The best way to make your child feel relaxed is to be calm yourself. Bring some of your child’s favorite objects with you as it will create more safety. Remember that a specialist is a true professional who knows how to approach an anxious child. Think about some reward for your little one after visiting a dentist, e.g., playing at the local playground. As long as your baby associates a dentist’s office with fun activities, their future visits will become much easier.
Healthy Habits for Life
Sure, there is not much to talk about cavities or other possible abnormalities during the first visit to a dental office. However, you teach your child the importance of regular check-ups and professional cleaning. Thus, preventing future dental problems is more productive than curing them!