Children and the Dentist

According to experts, a child should ideally be taken for his first dental appointment when he turns one year old. By his first birthday, his primary teeth will have began to erupt, and this is the right time for a complete dental examination.

Your dentist will take this chance to advise you about proper oral care for your child. He will look for any habits that may affect the bite of the child as he grows older, like thumb sucking and using a pacifier. Your dentist will also advise you about the kind of diet your child should take to ensure that he has a perfectly healthy set of teeth when they all emerge. He will let you know what to expect in the coming months and years as all primary teeth emerge. You can also discuss the need for fluoride supplements for your child as he gets older. If the drinking water supply in your area has lower concentrations of fluoride, then your child may need fluoride supplements to makeup for the short fall.

Choosing a dentist for your child’s first dental appointment must be done with care. Not all dentists are comfortable with little kids or toddlers, and so, your dentist must be some one who has an easy manner with children. He must be experienced in handling child patients, even if he is not a specialized pediatric dentist. He must be thoroughly knowledgeable about the different stages of oral development in children. If your child has special dental needs, then your dentist must be able to help, or at least refer you to a pediatric dentist.

During your child’s first visit to the dentist, make sure that she remains as comfortable as possible. Bring along her favorite snacks, toys as well as her safety blanket, so that she feels comfortable at the dentist's office. If you have other kids, leave them at home. If you can, ask a friend or relative to accompany you, so you have an extra pair of hands to help you with the child during the dental visit.

Discuss your child’s and family's oral health with your dentist. If the child’s parents have a history of dental caries, then the dentist must be informed of this. The child may be more at risk for cavities in such a situation. Your dentist will also prescribe teething gels to alleviate teething discomfort in your child. He will also recommend the right kind of tooth brush and tooth paste for your child, and will teach you the proper techniques for cleaning his teeth. Your dentist will also create a time table for future visits. Make sure you follow the schedule carefully.

Your child’s first dental visit can set the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.  Learning the right techniques for brushing, the kind of foods to stay away from as he gets older, and most importantly, learning to treat the dentist's office as a comfortable place, instead of a torture chamber – these are all priceless benefits that will help him maintain good dental health later in life.