As any parent will tell you, one of the greatest joys of raising children is celebrating all those firsts: the first smile, the first step, the first word, the first haircut, and (yay!) the first time they use the potty. So many milestones!
One important first that is sometimes overlooked is a child’s first dental visit. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should schedule their first dental visit by their first birthday, or 6 months after their first tooth appears. A 2006 scientific paper in Pediatric Dentistry revealed that children who waited past their first birthday and did not see a dentist until age two or three “were more likely to have subsequent preventive, restorative, and emergency visits” (Source: aapd.org // Pediatric Dentistry)
Here is a handy “First Dental Visit Checklist” to help you start your child’s dental health goals on the right track:
STEP 1: Choosing a Dental Home
Pediatric dentistry involves the treatment of children and requires two to three years of additional training after dental school. This training focuses on the growth and development of children’s teeth, child psychology and management strategies, pediatric medicine and sedation and dental trauma treatment. Therefore, you should make it a point to have your child seen by a pediatric dental specialist.
Another factor to consider is whether the practice has an orthodontic specialist in-house. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist by age 7. Sometimes, however, a pediatric dentist can spot issues such as overcrowding or protrusions, and being able to immediately consult with an orthodontic specialist can be very valuable in reducing complications and providing timely treatment. Having an orthodontist and pediatric dentist in one location may also make it more convenient to schedule appointments for children with braces.
STEP 2: Scheduling Your First Appointment
The best time to schedule an appointment is when your child is most likely to be awake and alert. It’s also helpful to complete as much paperwork as possinle ahead of time to reduce waiting; modern offices often have many or all of their new patient forms online, and they can be completed and sumbitted before your visit. Your child’s overall health can impact their dental health and how your pediatric dentist treats your child’s specific medical needs, so providing a complete medical history about your child allows your dental professional to deliver the highest quality of care.
STEP 3: What to do During Your First Visit
Try to come in a little early if possible. Just a little early, so you can sit down, breathe, and get nice and relaxed with your child before seeing your pediatric dentist. It really makes a difference!
Ask your pediatric dentist for tips & strategies to keep your child on a healthy dental track. Your pediatric dentist will help you with getting your child excited about brushing their teeth, will give recommended toothbrushes to help keep your child’s gums and any incoming teeth healthy and clean, and will give you tips and strategies to help prevent cavities. According to aapd.org, 25% of children in the United States have 80 percent of the cavities a child could have. Being informed on how to keep your child on a healthy dental track is important.
While we can’t keep our children little, we can do everything we can now to set them up for the healthiest and brightest future that they deserve. So enjoy the hugs and sweet smiles, laugh, play and enjoy every little moment and milestone that comes along, including that first visit to the dentist!
More about Dental Associates of Connecticut and Dental Associates KIDS: With 11 locations throughout the state, Dental Associates KIDS provides state-of-the-art pediatric dental care in a child-friendly environment, with a team that understands how to address a child’s fears about going to the dentist and knows how to put them at ease. Our pediatric dentists also work hand-in-hand with our orthodontic specialists, providing a full range of care in one location. To learn more visit https://dentalassociateskids.com
