Your Child's First VisitAs a new parent, we know you have a million things on your plate right now. But it's never too soon to start thinking about your child's dental health. The decisions you make now can have a lifelong effect on your little bundle of joy's teeth, so it's important that you have all the facts. We here at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry are dedicated to healthy smiles for both you and your kids, so here are a few tips to get you on the right track! When Should I Schedule My Baby's First Visit?The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend bringing your child in for their first visit sometime between when you spot their first tooth and their first birthday. Typically teeth begin to come in, or “erupt,” around the age of six months, although every child is different - as I'm sure you already know!. Once you see that very first tooth, that's when brushing should begin! It's important to remember that even though your child's baby teeth will all fall out, proper dental care is still critical right from the start. Decay in baby teeth can increase the risk of decay in their permanent teeth, and a build-up of bacteria can harm a child's overall health, so it's key to start good habits now and stick to them. We'll remind you about important topics about dentistry for kids every time you visit. What to Expect From My First VisitEven though it's important, your child's first dental visit will likely be very short, generally under an hour. Much of the time, we don't even do a cleaning! We mostly use the first visit as an opportunity to get to know you and your child, to make sure that everything is growing in as it should, and to provide you with all the information you'll need to make healthy choices for your baby. Remember, we're here for you! If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask one of our dental care professionals and we'll make sure to help you out. Something to keep in mind is that, just like with your child's general health, the best dental health care is preventative. Your child's wellness is too important to leave to chance, so don't wait for an emergency to come in and see us. Regular check-ups and cleanings help us protect your child's smile by safeguarding against tooth decay, and they also allow us to spot possible problems before they become serious. How Do I Prepare My Child?Look, nobody likes going to the dentist. Trust us, we know. And we all remember how much we hated it as kids! But there are a few simple tricks to making the visits as painless as possible. The biggest one is to just stay positive! Kids tend to take emotional cues from their parents, so staying calm and relaxed is a great way to let them know there's nothing to be afraid of. It also helps to make an appointment early in the day - a well-rested child is a cooperative child! There's no easier way to give your child the confidence of a beautiful smile than through regular dental visits and cleaning. Your child's health is our highest priority here at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, so give us a call today at 360-657-1650 to set up your appointment! |
Get in Touch! |
