From their first baby teeth to adulthood, healthy teeth are crucial to healthy bodies. For this reason, beginning at age one, your child should start visiting the dentist for the evaluation of growth of the jaws, face and teeth. An early visit can possibly avoid future repairs and discomfort.
Beginning With Home Care
A baby’s mouth should be cleaned with a soft gauze pad after each feeding. When first teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child-sized toothbrush and water. Infants should finish their bedtime and nighttime bottles before going to bed and if a pacifier is used, it should always been clean and never dipped in sugar or honey. To prevent baby bottle decay, never allow a child to use a baby bottle as a pacifier during the day or while sleeping.
Preparing for the First Dental Visit
Use good judgment in scheduling the first appointment and avoid meal and nap time so the child will be rested and cooperative. If you are anxious about dentist visits, try not to convey this to the child. Talk about the upcoming visit to the dentist and relate it to the way you take care of the child’s teeth at home and about how Mommy or Daddy go to see the dentist to have nice teeth. You can also play “Dentist” by using some of the actions that will be taken when the child is sitting in the examining chair. Never use the threat of a visit to the dentist as a punishment or threat but rather connect it to something pleasant.
What Happens at the Dentist’s Office
For some children, the first visit to a dentist can cause anxiety. Your child may resist cooperating by crying or refusing to sit in the dental chair. The staff at the dental office is familiar with this reaction and is trained in winning the child over to permit the examination and any repairs, if needed.
After the child is seated comfortably, the dentist will gently examine the gums, mouth and teeth. The dentist will clean the teeth, may apply a topical fluoride and also take appropriate xrays.
The dentist should demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and provide further information about how to properly take care of the child’s teeth. He may suggest that flossing begin as early as when two teeth appear that touch each other.
After the Visit to the Dentist
It is never too early to begin teaching a child good dental habits. To start, use a child-sized tooth brush with soft bristles and replace it every three to four months. Establish a schedule of teeth-cleaning such as in the morning, after a meal and before bedtime which the child will continue with supervision until age seven and then into adulthood.
For healthy teeth prevention is the key to avoiding dental disease. Use the first visit to the dentist to lay the groundwork for the continuing dental care that will be needed for the rest of the child’s life.
Sources: American Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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