Are you preparing for your children’s first dental visit in Garland? This upcoming appointment can be unnerving for a parent, but fortunately, your board-certified pediatric dentist understands how to minimize stress, create a safe and comfortable environment, and ensure your child is excited about oral hygiene. Before you load them up in the car and make your way to the dentist’s office, take a few moments to hear from an expert who shares what you can expect during this initial appointment.
When to Bring Your Child In for an Initial Visit
It is recommended that you bring your baby in for their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts. While there are things you can be doing at home long before that initial pearly white bursts through the gums (i.e. wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings), it’s most beneficial to let a pediatric dentist in Garland examine the tooth and discuss at-home oral hygiene tips.
What to Do to Prepare at Home
When calling to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, start thinking about questions you want to ask and write them down. This will ensure you receive the answers you need during this initial visit. You will also want to review your dental insurance information as it pertains to coverage for regular checkups and cleanings and determine if you will be responsible for a copay when arriving for the appointment. Also, don’t forget to write down any medications your child is currently taking.
No matter your child’s age, it is always helpful to speak positively about the dentist’s office and maybe even show them pictures of the dentist, team members, and of the office from the practice’s website. This will allow them to become more familiar with who and what they will see the day of their appointment.
The First Appointment: What You Can Expect
With infants, the visit may include a quick exam by your child’s pediatric dentist before the visit turns to more of a discussion about oral hygiene at tips for avoiding baby bottle tooth decay, how to maneuver through the teething process, and ways to keep that initial tooth and any additional ones clean at home.
With toddlers, your child’s dentist will continue to build a solid relationship based on trust. During the recommended six-month checkups, they will quickly examine any new teeth and continue discussions regarding cleanings at home. By continuing to closely monitor their growing smile, the dentist can address any potential or current issues efficiently, minimizing the possibility of future problems.
By the time your child starts school, you can expect the visits to include full checkups and cleanings. The dentist will examine their smile for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, or problems with bite alignment. Your child will also have their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist who will remove plaque and tartar buildup. It is also during this visit that you can expect the dentist to discuss nutritional habits and what foods can help or hinder your child’s smile.
By bringing your child in early for their first appointment, you will not only minimize the potential for dental anxiety later on, but you will also set them up for a successful start to better oral health as they grow.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at Ohio State University. Passionate about young, growing smiles, he completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY. He is currently a staff member at Children’s Health Dallas/Plano. Dr. Preece and his colleagues know a first-time visit for a child and their parent can be nerve-wracking, which is why they go above and beyond to ensure a safe, comfortable, and fun environment. If your child requires a general checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call (972) 364-7472 to learn what you can expect during this initial appointment.