As a parent, you undoubtedly understand the importance of good dental hygiene from an early age, but you may not know what “the ideal time” is. Visiting a Pediatric Dentist Las Vegas before problems arise is the greatest way to learn more about infant and toddler dentistry.
When Should Your Child Begin First Dental Care?
Many parents believe their children are too young to go to the dentist, but according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), kids should visit a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting. While this may appear to be early, pediatric dentists advise beginning dental care as soon as baby teeth begin to emerge.
The goal of this first visit around the time of their first birthday is to ensure that parents have all of the information and tools they need to give great care at home and establish a solid preventive strategy. Cavities and gum disease are generally avoidable, so get all of the information as soon as possible.
Although parents may believe that toddlers don’t need to see a dentist, this is not the case. You might be shocked to learn that tooth decay (cavities) can begin at an early age. Getting your kid in for a dentist appointment as soon as possible gives them the greatest probability of having healthy teeth and gums.
What Should We Expect When My Child Goes For His or Her First Appointment?
Choosing a pediatric dentist who can provide care for youngsters in a kid-friendly setting is the first step. Look for a pediatric dentist who has a focus on child dentistry and sees infants, children, and teens exclusively. Pediatric dentists have specialized training to understand and address the unique oral health concerns of youngsters.
When it comes to your child’s first appointment, the aim isn’t simply to do a checkup on your kid’s mouth and show you how to clean his or her tiny teeth effectively. It’s also, and perhaps more significantly, about establishing a rapport with the parents and having them feel at ease with our staff, as well as the healthful habit of bringing your kid for dental checkups as part of a regular routine instead of just when there’s an issue. Consider these early visits to be “well child checks” with your pediatrician.
There are several things you can do as a parent to make the visit go smoothly:
- Get them enthusiastic about brushing, flossing, and establishing good oral hygiene habits with a first-time visit.
- Encourage patients to look forward to their next dental visit because they’ll get to see the dentist, get a check-up for their teeth, and not have any shots!
- Avoid displaying any signs of anxiety. We understand that children’s reactions are sometimes influenced by their parents’ emotions.
- Don’t worry if your youngster is “uncooperative.”
- For toddlers, who are thought to be crying or fussy as normal, and for whom cooperation is not required, we don’t expect or demand it. We’re all set. We’ll be OK as long as you, the parent, are ready to participate. We will be kind and encouraging with your kid, and we’ll provide them with a little present so they can depart pleased even if things get tense during an early portion of their stay.
What Will My First Appointment Be Like?
When you and your child come through our pediatric dental doors, we’ll greet you with a smile and a relaxing atmosphere. Allow your child to explore the waiting room so that he or she is not startled when they return.
We tailor each visit to your child’s age and degree of cooperation. We work with each family to get the most out of their child’s dental visit, and we introduce ourselves and explain what will happen during the session, step by step.
If your youngster is apprehensive, they may sit in your lap and we employ our “lap board,” which allows us to conduct a thorough exam. A fantastic children’s dentist will not push past your child’s limits of tolerance. However, if you dutifully schedule a visit, a wonderful dentist may also be patient and try to persuade your youngster into sitting in our booster seat so that they may safely explore the “big kid” approach of getting a dental check-up. The post-exam visit is an excellent opportunity for parents to ask any questions they have about their child’s oral health and development. You can find out what to expect as your child grows up, as well as get expert advice on how to clean your child’s teeth correctly.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas NV, The Kids Dentist Of Las Vegas is the only alternative. We have the knowledge and experience to give your child the very best care possible.