Child's First Visit to Dentist Age

By the time of your baby’s first birthday, they should have been to see their dentist for the first time! When their first tooth appears, it is important to go ahead and set up an appointment for their first check-up. A common belief is that it is alright to wait until all of baby’s teeth come in to take them to the dentist for the first time, but this is not true. Decay can occur in the primary teeth and cause a higher risk of decay in adult teeth.

Starting a routine with your child and their dentist early can help them become familiar with the process and the people involved, which can calm fears and anxiety. Pediatric dental office Cary are usually decorated with children in mind so books and games are always on hand to keep your child at ease while they wait for their turn. Here at Wake Dental Care we find that putting cartoons on our televisions can distract our young patients so that we can be more efficient (this even works with adults).

Caring for primary teeth

Sometimes, it is thought that since children lose their primary teeth (commonly referred to as baby teeth) anyway, it isn’t as important to take care of them. Primary teeth are vital to your child’s development as they aid children learning to bite and chew, for good nutrition. They also are extremely important as your child learns to speak! We use our teeth when we are developing speech patterns.

Primary teeth also create the space that adult teeth need as they begin to push through, causing the primary teeth to fall out. Teaching your child to care for their teeth early will instill a lifelong habit of proper oral hygiene.

Calming fears of the dentist

Adults often have anxiety over dental visits because of childhood memories. This can easily be avoided by starting a relationship with the dentist and staff early, making sure your child knows what to expect.

• Play with your child and perhaps use a dental kit purchased from a drugstore to let them see the tools and put them in their mouth. The tools in these kits are very similar to the ones the dentist will use. Take turns counting each others teeth.
• Let your child sit in on one of your cleanings at your family dentist. Seeing how you react to the hygienist and dentist will show your child that what they will experience is normal and not painful or something to be feared.
• Be sure your child is well rested and fed before their dental visits, this alone will help behavior.

Once your child knows what to expect at the dentist, they will have a better understanding that this is part of a new routine. Cultivating the relationship between your child and their dental office will help your child know that oral hygiene and health is important. Together, you and the dental team will create healthy, lifelong habits!