About 40% of the population suffers from dental anxiety. Another 12% suffer from extreme dental fear. If your child develops dental anxiety at a young age, they might avoid appointments as an adult.
Their oral health could suffer, as well as their quality of life, as a result.
Before your child has the chance to develop dental anxiety, consider scheduling their first dentist appointment.
When should you schedule their first Georgetown pediatric dentistry visit? What can you expect from their first trip to the dentist? Keep reading to find out!
After reading this guide, you can prepare yourself and your child for the road ahead. You can show your child there’s nothing to fear about the dentist, too. Their first dentist appointment could pave the road for healthy, stunning teeth in the future.
Learn everything you need to know before visiting your pediatric dentist in Georgetown with this guide today.
When to Schedule Their First Visit
First, let’s cover the topic that likely brought you here: when to take a child to the dentist for their first visit.
Most dentists recommend you take a child in for their first dentistry appointment when their first tooth comes in. Usually, you’ll notice their first tooth when they’re about six months old.
Otherwise, make sure to schedule your child’s first trip to the dentist by their first birthday.
You should take your child in for their first dentist appointment beforehand if you notice anything abnormal. For example, you might notice:
- Bleeding
- White spots
- Lesions
If any of these issues sound familiar, schedule an appointment at your Georgetown pediatric dentistry practice right away.
Why should you start taking your child to the dentist at such a young age?
Unfortunately, tooth decay affects about one in every five children under the age of 5. Your pediatric dentist can spot any developing conditions early on. They can diagnose and treat the problem before it develops further.
Taking your child to the dentist while they’re young will help them have a healthy smile for life. Your pediatric dentist can check for decay, injuries, or other issues. They can also start tracking changes in your child’s mouth immediately.
At the same time, your child’s first dentist appointment can help them grow comfortable with their dentist while they’re young. Your pediatric dentist can become a familiar presence in your child’s life. Your child might even look forward to their appointment as a chance to show off their pearly whites!
If you’re not sure when to schedule your child’s first dentistry visit, give us a call.
How to Choose a Dentist
Before your child’s first dentist appointment, it’s important to make sure you’ve chosen the right dentist.
First, try to choose a fun dentist who has years of experience treating children. An experienced pediatric dentist will know how to put your child at ease. They’ll know how to keep dental anxiety from developing, too.
Consider gathering referrals from other parents in Georgetown. They can point you in the direction of a Georgetown pediatric dentistry practice. Otherwise, give us a call to schedule your child’s first trip to the dentist.
Choosing an experienced, qualified dentist will give you peace of mind.
Make sure the practice you choose is designed for children, too. Your child can play with toys or read a book before their appointment. A comfortable, child-friendly environment can put them at ease.
What to Expect
Your child’s first dentistry visit will feel quick and straightforward.
First, the dentist will greet your little one and get to know them a little. Then, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, lips, and tongue. They’ll check the inside of your child’s cheeks, too.
You can remain in the room with your child during their first check-up.
During the appointment, talk to the dentist about your teeth and family dental history. Discuss your child’s feeding and sleeping habits. Cover their pacifier use and oral hygiene practices, too.
You can ask any questions you have about:
- Thumb-sucking
- Toddler teething
- Tooth-friendly foods
- Oral health habits
Consider bringing a list of questions you have to the appointment. Your dentist can help you determine how to care for your child’s teeth moving forward. They’ll also suggest when you should schedule your child’s next appointment.
Tips for Easing Anxiety
Have a plan before your child’s first dentist appointment. Preparing them ahead of time can help ease any potential dental anxiety.
For example, you can find kid-friendly picture books about visiting the dentist. Check YouTube for videos, too. Learning a little more about what to expect could help your child feel more comfortable.
Use positive language when discussing the dentist, too. For example, you can tell your child the dentist will help them build strong, healthy teeth.
Avoid going into too much detail before their first dentistry visit, though. You don’t want to confuse them.
Give them something to look forward to after the appointment as well. For example, you can plan a trip to the playground or movies.
Otherwise, lead by example. Make brushing your teeth a family affair. Your child might want to mimic your behavior.
Then, be a good cheerleader by congratulating them.
How Often to Visit the Dentist
During your child’s first trip to their Georgetown pediatric dentistry practice, discuss how often your child needs to visit. Your dentist might recommend you schedule appointments every six months. Visiting the dentist twice a year will help you catch any potential problems.
Your dentist might note potential problems during your child’s first appointment. They might suggest you visit more often as a result.
You can schedule their next appointment before leaving the practice.
Toothy Grins: Schedule Your Child’s First Georgetown Pediatric Dentistry Visit
To recap, when should you schedule your child’s first Georgetown pediatric dentistry visit? Check-in before your child’s first birthday. Otherwise, schedule their visit if you notice their first tooth is erupting.
With routine visits, you can prioritize your child’s oral health and ease their dental anxiety.
Ready to schedule your child’s first trip to the dentist? We can’t wait to see you!
Contact us today to get started.
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