Parents are often a bit mystified before taking a child to the dentist for the very first time—which makes perfect sense. Thankfully though, our Cashmere Family Dentistry team is here to help intervene and make things easier! Let’s discuss how to prepare for your child’s first dental visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Even if you can’t hit that exact timeframe, remember that earlier visits in a child’s life help establish good oral habits and make sure that your child’s teeth and gums are developing properly.
Preparing for Your Child’s First Appointment
When it comes to working with your child, you know them best—but there are some steps you can take that will work for preparing the majority of kids for their inaugural dental visit!
1. Talk to Your Child About the Dentist: A great way to ease any initial anxiety is to talk to your child about what to expect. Use positive language and explain that the dentist helps keep their teeth clean and healthy. This is also a good opportunity to find creative ways to bring the idea of the dentist into a more normal light:
- Watch online videos featuring characters going to the dentist.
- Read children’s books about visiting the dentist.
- Play pretend by “examining” each other’s teeth with a toothbrush.
2. Choose the Right Appointment Time: We suggest choosing a time when your child is relatively well-rested and in a decent mood—which is why morning appointments are often best for younger children. Avoid scheduling during naptime or after a long day when they may be a little more temperamental.
3. Gather Important Information: Before your appointment, make sure to have some information for Dr. Janie or Dr. Ryan Busk:
- Your child’s medical history
- A list of any medications they take
- Information on any thumb-sucking or pacifier habits
- Other concerns you may have about their dental health
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home: Even if it’s your child’s first visit, they should be familiar with brushing. Start early by gently brushing their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. We can also provide you with some tips to make this process easier if you’re having trouble.
What Happens During the First Visit?
The first visit for our pediatric patients is usually centered around making them feel comfortable in our office space. Here is what this appointment usually entails:
- Comprehensive Exam & Cleaning: Dr. Janie Busk or Dr. Ryan Busk will examine your child’s teeth and gums to check for any signs of decay or developmental concerns.
- Digital X-Rays: If needed, we may take X-rays to stay up-to-date on your child’s dental health.
- Gentle Cleaning: Our hygienist, Tami, will perform a thorough but gentle cleaning to remove plaque buildup.
- Preventive Care: All exams conclude with fluoride varnish to strengthen your child’s teeth and protect against cavities.
- Answering Questions: We’ll also take this time to answer any questions you or your child might have. If they’re of a communicative age, you can even encourage them to make a list of inquiries before their appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speaking of questions, we wanted to cover a few more common ones that you may have for us as a parent before your visit!
Q: What are some common signs of dental problems in kids?
Many signs are fairly noticeable, such as tooth discoloration or spots, persistent bad breath, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, swollen or bleeding gums, and difficulty chewing or pain while eating. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental visit at Cashmere Family Dentistry as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
Q: How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
To help keep your child’s teeth healthy, see that they brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (using a rice-sized amount for toddlers) and floss daily once their teeth start touching. Limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage drinking water instead of juice or soda.
Q: How often should my child visit the dentist?
A child should visit the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings to help catch any potential issues early. That being said, some children may need more frequent visits if they are at higher risk for dental problems, such as those with a history of cavities, orthodontic concerns, or special oral health needs.
Family Matters
We encounter new pediatric patients pretty often, so we know the challenges that can come with that experience for some kids. Rest assured, our doctors are parents themselves and will do everything they can to make your child’s first encounter a happy one! Contact us to schedule an appointment, and visit us soon at our beautiful Cashmere office.
