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back to DENTAL HEALTH topics
Why is visiting the dentist important? When
should I first take my child to the dentist? What should I expect?
Prepare your child emotionally for visiting the dentist.
When should you start taking your child
to the dentist?
To get a head start on preventing tooth decay and gum disease, it’s
best to take your child to the dentist when the first tooth comes
in (usually between 6 and 12 months of age). After that, you should
take your child to the dentist at least two times a year, sometimes
more.
How can you prepare your child (and
yourself) for the first trip to the dentist?
To prepare your child for the first dental visit, talk to your child.
You can refer to the dentist as a “tooth doctor” who works to keep
teeth healthy and happy. Be relaxed and comfortable about the visit
yourself. Otherwise, your child will pick up on your own anxieties.
Avoid using words that tend to create fear, like “shot,” “drill,”
“x-ray,” or “needle.” Do not bribe your child into going to the
dentist or use a dental visit as punishment.
What to expect at the first visit:
- a chance to ask any questions you have about
dental health
- a comprehensive examination of your child’s mouth
- teeth-cleaning
- x-rays (or “tooth pictures”), depending on circumstances
- a demonstration of at-home teeth-cleaning techniques
- scheduling of subsequent appointments
 Even
if your child has never had a cavity, keep up with regular dentist
visits. Regular visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth-cleanings
remove debris that build up on teeth, irritate gums, and cause decay.
The dentist can give your child fluoride treatments, which help
strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Also, the dentist can give
tips that improve your child’s brushing and flossing techniques.
Don’t forget to keep up good dental habits between
visits!
For more information, please visit:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
The AAPD provides dental health information in question-and-answer
form. This link takes you to the section that addresses visiting
the dentist.
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/regdent.asp
The Kids Dentist
This site was created by a pediatric dentist in Illinois. This
link takes you to the section on your baby’s first dental visit.
http://www.thekidsdds.com/visit.htm
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