When should children first visit the dentist? And how to prepare them for it?
Child's first visit to the dentist should be within its first year. The idea of anearly visit is still surprising to many parents. The aim of the visit is the dentist to explain how to properly care for your child teeth and mouth, because many problems can be prevented or easily treated at an earlier stage.
Child's first visit to the dentist should be within its first year.
For small children, the first visit to the dentist can be a scary experience. Strange instruments, loud noises and new people can disrupt even the quietest child. But by a careful preparation of the parents and a correct approach dental visit can be fun.
- Talk with your child for what is yet to come. Explain how important it is to have healthy teeth and that the work of the dentist is to help. Use phrases such as "clean and healthy teeth" and not "fear" and "pain".
- Create his positive attitude to the forthcoming visit. Use a book about visits to the dentist, where with language which he understands is explained what to expect.
- A fun way to prepare kids is to play "dentist", using a toothbrush and a flashlight and count his teeth. Then swap roles. So the child will become familiar with the routine review of the dentist and during the visit it will feel more relaxed. Take a favorite toy or an object that will help him feel comfortable and safe.
Parents are role models.
Make sure your child sees that you are using the brush and floss daily. Do not tell him if you had a bad experience on the dentist's chair. If you feel at ease during a routine check-up, it can monitor you.
The first visit
The first visit is to build confidence of the child in the dentist.
- It is better to be planned in the early hours when it is not tired.
- If it is younger, the parent can sit in the dental chair and hold it during the examination or be asked to wait in the reception area.
- The dentist will explain in an interesting way for the child every step of the review and will show him how tools and machines are used. He will assure him that will stop any procedure if feel restless.
During the review,
- He will check the teeth, gums and bite and will assess the need of fluoride and sealants.
- If necessary, he will clean the teeth from the dental plaque. He will give you a specific advice for good oral hygiene, proper nutrition and eating habits.
- Additionally will explain what to expect in the coming months, when the child grows and develops. If you notice bad habits as sucking fingers or other objects it is necessary to discuss them with your dentist and remove them as soon as possible.
Visit the dentist in every 6 months or more often depending on their needs. Regular visits to the dentist build good habits for oral hygiene in the children and they get used to the dental office. This reduces feelings of anxiety and fear, which will make visits pleasant in the future.
