Your Child’s First Dental Visit: never take it casually

There are many questions that arise in the ind of parents when thinking about their child’s teeth.The most common are:
1) What is the right time for the kid’s first dental visit?
2) How to choose a dentist?
3) How to prepare a child for the first dental visit?

It is very important for your child to develop a good relationship with the dentist right from the very beginning. The first impression is the most vital and it will last throughout the child’s entire life.
Normally a child is advised to make the first dental visit anytime in the first year after the first tooth appears.This visit allows the dentist to develop a bond with the child and to educate the parents as well. The child will become familiar with the place from the very beginning and this will be very helpful later on.

It is always wise to visit the dental clinic when no emergency procedure is to be done. This way the child will associate it with a general friendly checkup and will have happy memories about it. Making a dental emergency the first visit will hamper the child’s psychology for the entire life and he will always associate the dentist and the dental clinic with pain and trauma.

In general you must not wait more than 2 years for the child’s first dental visit.The earlier you begin the better the chances the doctor will have to start dealing with any upcoming problem.The dentist will have time to emphasize on preventive dentistry which will help the parents to remain cautious about any developing tooth decay. Preventive dentistry means beautiful smile and healthy teeth.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST?

The choice of dentist is very important and must be done with some thought and research.A general dentist usually deals with children well but if you want he can always refer you to a specialized one known as a PAEDODONTIST, one who treats only children. They are better equipped to deal with children and their problems.

You should choose a dentist who is patient , kind,and gives a lot of time and attention to your child. The dentist must know about the child behavior, growth pattern and development. All these will help the child in getting proper dental care.

Parents should educate themselves and should be involved in the treatment process. Some questions a parent must ask are:
1). Does the dentist give importance to prevention?
2). Does they discuss brushing and flossing with your child.
3). Do they tell about the effects of junk food?
4). Are sealants used in the clinic as a preventive measure to stop decay?
5). What is used during pain measurement?
6). Does the dentist explains the treatment procedure?
7). What measure does she take to make the child feel comfortable?

A pleasant looking clinic with colorful office with stickers and cartoons helps.

THE IDEAL CLINIC

Your child’s safety from hazardous infection is a thing of utmost importance. The dentist must take all the necessary and mandatory precautions to maintain the level of hygiene and prevent any kind of cross infection.The ideal clinic follows all the rigid sterilization schedules and aseptic measures. You must take recommendations from family and friends. Their experience and suggestions will always prove handy.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM FIRST VISIT?

The first visit must be between 1 to 2 years of age. In the first visit it should look like a fun tour to the kid.. Your child must familiarize with the doctor, the clinic and should get a feel of the place.

FIRST EXAMINATION:

This should be done at the first visit when the child is relaxed and comfortable.If not the actual examination can wait for the second time.The following tips can ensure that it gets successful:
1). Making appointment early in the day when the child is not cranky.
2). Child should not be empty stomach.
3). Try to prepare the child mentally and that to in a positive manner.
4). The parents should keep themselves calm and should nit look tense to the kid.
5). Take prior appointment with minimal waiting.

These steps will help in soothing and calming the child.It will surely help in making the visit a pleasant experience for the child.