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Child's First Dental Visit
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The ideal time for your child’s first dental visit is when your child’s first (primary) teeth come in, usually between 18 and 24 months. Because dental problems often start early, the dentist will want to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth so the sooner they have their first visit the better. At this visit problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb sucking can be diagnosed and the dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care.
Preparing for the First Visit
Appointments for children should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is fresh and alert. Talk to your child about what to expect in a positive manner, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. You may want to bring your child to your cleaning visit so that they can observe and feel comfortable in the office.
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What happens on the first visit?
Many first visits are just introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice and to gain the child’s trust. Unless there is a serious problem, no child should be forced. If the child is frightened, uncomfortable or uncooperative, a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience, calm and reassuring communications from the parent are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child’s trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem. For children under 24-36 month, the parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination. The first session often lasts between 15-30 minutes and may include the following depending on age:
- A gentle but thorough examination of teeth, jaw, bite, gums, and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
- If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up, and stains.
- X-rays; a demonstration on proper home cleaning; assessment of the need for fluoride
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The dentist should be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team and the office should provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child.
Protecting Your Child’s Oral Health at Home
Parents should provide oral hygiene care until the child is old enough to take the personal responsibility for the daily dental health routine of brushing and flossing. A proper regimen of home preventive care is important from the day your child is born.
- Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Ask you dentist if you may rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on gums
- As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
- To avoid baby bottle tooth decay, try to wean your child of bottle and breast feeding by one year of age and never put your baby to bed with anything but water in a bottle; monitor excessive sucking of pacifiers, fingers, and toes
- Help your child brush at night to ensure all the plaque is removed
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Dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Mark G. Sayeg, Performs
Cosmetic Dentistry,
Dental Implants,
Dental Crowns,
Dental Bridges,
Root Canal Treatment,
Dentures,
Arestin Therapy,
Teeth Whitening,
Cosmetic Contouring,
Bonding,
Porcelain Crowns,
Gingival Contouring,
Dental Spa Services
in Sandy Springs Atlanta Georgia.
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