At Hartwell Dentistry, we are lucky to have many 3 generation families visit us. This means we are now taking care of our longstanding patient’s grandchildren.
Many parents and grandparents regularly ask us about their child or grandchildren’s oral health needs and the best way to help care for their teeth.
So in the following months’ blog we will begin with answering some of these frequently asked questions.
When should a young child first visit the dentist?
The most important thing is to make dental visits good experiences. Bringing your child to the dentist at an early age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay and to help educate parents how to clean their child’s teeth and oral health care at home. Even more importantly, bringing your child to the dentist at an early age often leads to a lifetime of good oral health habits and familiarize your child to the dentist and the dental practice, thereby reducing the risk of your child becoming fearful or anxious when coming to the dentist in the future.
The general rule is six months after the eruption of their first tooth is the best time for their first trip to the dentist.
So what will the first visit involve?
Your child’s first visit to Hartwell Dentistry is designed to begin the relationship between your child and the dentist and dental practice.
We usually start with an exciting ride on the dental chair and introduce the child to some instruments, like the mouth mirror.
Dr Dana Horng has completed further study in children’s dentistry and has a special way of explaining procedures to children so as it is not too overwhelming. Going into detail with your child about what will happened at their dental visit is generally not necessary, be honest but not too specific.
In Dr Horng’s examination, she will exam all teeth, assess how well the child’s bite is developing, look at how well the home care is and evaluate child’s behaviour in the chair.
She may take some pictures of your child’s teeth to relay information to the parents as well as the child and go through some oral care with both.
As children are constantly developing and also their home care at times is questionable, it is advisable to see children routinely in 6 months intervals. The best time for your child’s appointment is early on in the day when they are not tired.
Stay tuned for our next blog, continuing with a few tips for Oral care at home.