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When to take your Child to the Dentist
The best time to take your child for the first dental visit is six months after his/her primary teeth erupt. This period is an ideal chance for the dentist to do a careful examination of how the child’s mouth is developing. Since dental care issues usually begin early, the sooner that first visit is done, the better. To protect against issues such as tooth decay from baby bottles, teething problems, gum disease, and from extensive thumb-sucking, the dentist can begin preventive care.
Preparing your Child for the First Visit
Prior to the visit, ask the dentist what the procedure is for the child’s first visit, so you don’t run into unexpected situations. Come up with a course of action to handle the reaction of your child, whether cooperative or non-cooperative. Younger kids can be fussy and not want to sit still. Speak to your child ahead of time about what will be happening, and get them excited, as well as having an understanding about the dental visit. Make sure you have with you any documents of the child’s complete medical background.
What to expect at the First Visit
Numerous first visits aren’t anything more than an introduction and icebreaker with the dentist, to allow your youngster to get used to the dentist and his office. In the event that the child is frightened, uneasy or uncooperative, you can reschedule for another time. Patience and calmness from the mom or dad, and being reassuring, are particularly helpful and important at this time. Doing short, successive will help to create the child’s trust in his or her dentist and office and will be indispensable if the child requires dental treatment later on for any dental issues.
Appointments for a child should be planned for earlier in the day when he or she fresh and more alert. With little ones under 24-36 months, moms and dads may prefer to remain within the child, holding them in the dental chair throughout the exam. Possibly, it might be requested of the mom or dad to wait in the reception area, therefore, allowing the dentist to establish a relationship with the child.
When the child is cooperative, the child’s first visit may be between 15-30mins and, depending on age, could include:
- A gentle but comprehensive exam of teeth, jaws, the bite, gums, and oral tissue to check development and growth, and look for problem areas
- Possibly a gentle tooth cleaning, including polishing of teeth, removing plaque, removing tartar build-up and stains
- Possible X-rays
- A lesson on the proper way to take care of teeth at home
- An assessment on whether there is a need for fluoride.
The dental practitioner should certainly respond to any concerns you have got an attempt to turn you into and your kid feels comfy throughout the see. The whole dental care group plus the workplace should offer a comfortable, non- harmful atmosphere for the youngster.
The Follow-up Visit
Kids, like grownups, should begin to see their dentist twice a year. Some dentists might want visits every three months when your child is very young. This is required in order to develop the comfort level and to catch or treat any developing problems.
Five Home Techniques for Promoting a Child’s Oral Health
Moms and dads usually supply oral hygiene care for the child until he or she is older and can take individual responsibility of cleaning and flossing their teeth on a daily basis. A good, regularly done program of preventive care is important starting from birth.
- Clean your baby’s gums with a damp, clean cloth. Check with your dentist if you may rub a small bit of toothpaste on the gums.
- When the first teeth come in, start brushing them with a small, soft-bristled brush and the only pea-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste. Bear in mind that many kids are additionally getting fluoride through the neighborhood water source.
- You should start to wean your youngster from the breast and bottle by 12 months. This would prevent tooth decay from baby bottles and possible teeth misalignment because of sucking. Discourage excessive sucking on pacifiers, the fingers or thumbs. Do not offer your little one milk, fruit juice or other sweetened drinks at nap or bedtime.
- Assist your child in nighttime brushing, the most vital time for them to brush. Because of decreased salivary flow, there is greater susceptibility to cavities and plaque. Let them first brush their own teeth to create self-confidence. Next, mom or dad can do a follow-up brushing to make sure that all plaque is removed. Generally 5 years, your child will be able to learn how to clean their own teeth with parent supervision and instruction.
- Leading by example is the best way to show your child how to keep their teeth clean. Let your youngster watch you brush your teeth and they will learn the importance of regular oral hygiene.
