Tips For Making Your Child’s First Visit To The Dentist Successful

Here at Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, we know that it can be difficult for your little ones to cooperate and sit still at the office. Some children are afraid of the dentist and others are just active and lively, but either way, we’re experienced in handling these situations.

We know how important it is for your child to feel comfortable at our office. It can even have an impact on their visits to the dentist as adults. Establishing good oral hygiene habits now is important to making sure their smiles are healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

Tips For Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Below are a few tips to consider before your child’s first dental visit:

• Make sure it’s the right time – According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recommended that you take your child to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts – whichever comes first. The enamel on your child’s baby teeth is much more vulnerable to dental cavities and tooth decay than adult teeth. It’s important to bring your child in every 6 months so that we can catch any potential problems early on.
• Talk to your children – There are plenty of shows, songs, phone apps, and books about visiting the dentist and caring for teeth. Talk to your child about his or her dental health and why it’s important. The more comfortable they are with the concept of visiting the dentist, the easier their first visit will be.
• Practice makes perfect – Start brushing your child’s teeth and gums early on. We recommend brushing their gums even before the teeth have erupted. If your child knows the brushing routine early on, he or she is less likely to fight oral hygiene habits as they get older. Let your child practice brushing his or her own teeth (but be sure to follow their practice brushing with a more thorough one).
• Set an example for your kids – Your children are perceptive and take their cues from you. If you take a half-hearted approach to your own dental health, they’ll likely do the same thing. Let your child see you brush, floss, and visit the dentist yourself.

To make your child’s first dental appointment, please contact Great Outdoors Pediatric Dentistry, located in Dover, NH. Dr. Wilson and the rest of our staff are happy to meet you and care for your child’s oral health.