https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyA_pPY97TY
Not only do many patients not know what to expect for their child’s first dental visit, they aren’t sure at what age it’s appropriate to bring them in for the first time! According to the American Dental Association, children should come no later than one year after the eruption of their first tooth. Any teeth that come in have the potential to develop tooth decay or erupt improperly, so the sooner your dentist can catch problems when they arise, the better.
Your children’s dentist in Lincoln only wants the best for their early development. Here’s what you can expect during their visit.
The Purpose of the First Visit
Regardless of their age when they first visit, the dentist’s main priority is making sure your child feels comfortable in the dental office. It’s normal for children to feel apprehensive at first, but this first visit is meant to introduce them to their dentist, the concept of regular checkups, and help them understand their dentist is always here to help.
Once they’re comfortable, the dentist will count and examine all the teeth that are present and perform a dental cleaning if appropriate. Your child shouldn’t expect any significant or invasive treatments during their first visit, so you can reassure them before they arrive.
In case your child needs crowns or fillings in the future, your dentist may ask you to consider sedation treatments to make them feel more relaxed, such as nitrous oxide.
What the Dentist Looks For
During the examination, your dentist is making sure that all the teeth they expect to be there are either erupted or in the process of erupting. This will vary significantly depending on their age, but it’s important to note if certain teeth haven’t erupted when they should have.
They’ll also be on the lookout for any early signs of tooth decay and gum disease. The key to providing the best treatment possible is through early detection, so while the examination is quick, it must be thorough. Afterwards, your dentist will start talking about at-home habits.
What They Discuss After the Visit
After the exam and cleaning is complete, you can congratulate your child for doing a good job at their first visit. Before you leave, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about maintaining your child’s oral health and development. The dentist will also suggest any modifications they think you should make to keep your child’s oral health in good shape. These include topics like:
- Diet
- Brushing habits
- Pacifier use
- Bottle use
- Habits that can damage oral development (i.e. thumb-sucking or nail-biting)
- Future treatments that can protect your child (i.e. fluoride treatments and dental sealants)
Your child’s first visit will be over before you even realize it! Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today, especially if they’ve never visited before. Your children’s dentist in Lincoln will love to meet them!
About the Author
Dr. Amy Wenninghoff earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota dental school. She enjoys treating smiles of all age or “from babies all the way to grandma” as she puts it. To learn more about your child’s first visit, contact her through her website or by calling (402) 420-2222.