Did you know that your child should have his or her first dentist appointment before age one? That may seem like a young age, but there are plenty of oral health techniques you can learn before your child’s teeth grow in. Many of our pediatric dentistry patients in Clinton, MI have been with us since they were toddlers, and we have loved seeing their smiles develop over the years. Let’s take a look at what to expect from your child’s first dentist appointment.
Why So Young?
You may be wondering why you should have your child’s teeth inspected when there are barely any teeth to examine. Most pediatric dentists recommend scheduling an appointment around a child’s first birthday to check for early signs of oral health problems. This will give your dentist a chance to educate you about pediatric oral hygiene and ways to keep your child’s smile as healthy as possible. It will also help your child get familiar with going to the dentist so he or she feels comfortable in future exams. Consider this a chance to establish great habits that your child will carry the rest of his or her life.
Preparing For Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment
You won’t have to do much to prepare for your child’s first dentist appointment. Make sure to bring a copy of your dental insurance card and a form of identification to put on file. You may also inquire about fees associated with your exam, if any, so you can be prepared for those. Try not to make too big of a deal about this appointment so your child does not develop dentist anxiety. If anything, you should make the day seem like a fun experience that your kid will enjoy. Set yourself up for success as early as possible, and your child will have a great time.
What To Expect From Your First Pediatric Dentistry Appointment
The first dentist appointment is usually pretty simple: a basic oral heath assessment, followed by aftercare tips from the dentist. The pediatric dentist will look for signs of tooth decay and recommend any repairs that your child may need. With older children, we will get a set of X-rays to keep on record at our Clinton pediatric dentist office so we can track your child’s development. If your child is old enough to understand our instructions, our staff will take the time to teach him or her how to properly brush and floss.
If you have any questions about oral health and hygiene for children, feel free to ask them during your appointment.
