If you ask a dentist what is one of the most common questions they are asked, they will probably reply with this – “When should I take my baby in for their first dental visit?” Parenthood is one of the most ethereal and blissful journeys of life. It comes with its ups and down and is initially filled with a lot of confusion.
The health of one’s child is one of the top priorities for any parent, and to ensure good overall health, close attention to dental health must also be paid.
Ideally, your little angel’s first dental visit to a pediatric dentist in Markham should happen by the time they turn 6 months of age or when the first tooth erupts, whichever is earlier. If you have skipped this time, please do not worry. You can still take your child to a dentist near you and get their dental health evaluated.
However, the real challenge is getting a child ready to go to a dentist. Is there something you as a parent can do to prepare your child for their first visit to a kid’s dentist? The answer is a yes! This blog will discuss how you can prepare your child for their first dental visit.
What to expect?
During your child’s first dental visit in Markham, a pediatric dentist will first conduct a thorough oral examination. They will assess the growth patterns and check for signs of any diseases and conditions such as dental cavities, gum diseases, jaw growth problems, tongue tie, etc. In addition, you will be explained about various common dental problems that can arise in children, so you are better equipped.
They will also guide you on proper oral hygiene methods such as brushing, flossing and rinsing. Your dentist will also explain about teething and ways in which you can soothe your child. Detailed instructions will be provided on the best feeding patterns and what to inculcate in the diet to ensure your little one’s teeth come out strong and shine bright.
In the same appointment, a dental cleaning may also be carried out if deemed necessary. The entire appointment will not take a long time, so you do not have to worry.
How to choose a dentist?
Children have different needs compared to adults. Therefore, a different specialization has been created to cater for kids’ dental health. It is recommended you find a pediatric dentist near you to ensure your little one gets the best treatment. Pediatric dentists will have a warm and fun environment in their clinic.
The place will be vibrant and filled with toys to ensure kids feel calm and are in their comfort zone. Pediatric dentists are trained in diagnosing and treating all sorts of kids’ dental health issues.
Talk to your child
Often parents think it best to not their children know that they are going to visit a dentist. This, in reality, can prove to be disastrous as the child is taken by surprise and mostly will not cooperate. Instead, it is better to sit with your child and talk to them about visiting a dentist.
Make it sound like a fun adventure and be excited about the visit. Children love to imitate their parents, and you being calm and excited about the visit will ensure your child has a positive mindset about the same. Talk about how strong they will become and how beautiful their smile will be if they visit a dentist.
There are many YouTube videos and cartoons that explain the importance of dental health. Let your child’s favourite character explain to them the importance of healthy teeth.
Bring a friend
Does your child have a favourite teddy bear or soft toy that they just won’t let go off? Well, let them bring their little friend to the appointment. Having a trusted friend, in this case, a soft toy will make them feel more comfortable, and they’ll probably be more cooperative.
Role-play
As mentioned earlier, children love to copy adults. So, to make sure your child’s first dental visit goes peacefully, it’s essential that you do a little role-play. Be an ideal patient and be comfortable. Let your child see how a good patient behaves, and they’ll most likely do the same.
Prepare for follow-up visits
Now that your first visit is done, it’s time to start planning for the next one. Talk to your child about the positive, like how good the clinic was and how many toys there were. Talk about how the examination was and that there were no injections or any pain. All this will ensure your child is mentally prepared for their next visit.
Prepare yourself
Many parents tend to transfer their fears regarding a dental visit to their kids. Make sure you are not doing that. Remind yourself that dental health is essential for your child’s overall well-being and growth. An excellent dental schedule from the beginning will form a good foundation for perfect dental health when your child grows up.
If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us at Bur Oak Dental. Our team of excellent dental professionals is here to assist you and your loved ones to a brilliant oral health.