Parents undoubtedly want the best for their kids’ holistic health. But with all the different aspects of your child’s life to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or overlook some essential health factors.
A commonly underestimated concern is oral hygiene. If a child’s teeth and gum health are not given proper attention early on, it may lead to some long-term harm. But worry not! Advanced Indiana is here with a checklist for everything you need to know for your child’s first dental exam!
What Should You Expect for the First Visit?
Dental examinations are critical for your child’s oral health and the prevention of most dental diseases.
A complete dental examination involves checking up on your child’s teeth, jaws, gums, bite, and oral tissues. By having a proper look at your child’s teeth, your dentist can monitor a kid’s oral growth and development.
Furthermore, you can expect an appointment to last about thirty minutes to an hour. Depending on your child’s age, our team may show both you and your child proper oral hygiene techniques for at-home oral cleanings, such as brushing and flossing.
You also have the option of a gentle cleaning while you’re at the clinic. Your dentist can polish your child’s teeth and remove any plaque, tartar, or stains. Lastly, your dental hygienist may recommend ideal products or advise you on the use of a variety of fluoride solutions.
When to Take Your Child to Their First Dental Appointment?
As soon as your child gets a tooth, they’re vulnerable to tooth decay. With that said, scheduling a dental checkup for your baby when that first tooth comes in is so important.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s ideal to bring your child in for their first dental visit by the time they turn one, even if no teeth have emerged yet.
Additionally, a Pediatric Dentistry study by AAPD revealed that children who waited past their first birthday without seeing a dentist until age two or three had higher chances of frequent and recurring emergency dental visits.
Why Visiting The Dentist Is Important
Statistics from 2019 show that 23% of children aged 5 have experienced dental decay. Since a similar survey was also conducted in 2017, there has yet to be any significant progress.
In order to move away from that statistic, there needs to be a collective effort from parents to be better informed to take proper action for their children’s oral health. A great place to start is by visiting a trustworthy dental clinic like our Anderson or Fortville offices!
Choosing the Right Dental Clinic
It’s time to start doing some research on local pediatric dental practices near you. To find a reputable location, we suggest you look through online reviews and testimonials. Then, make a list and ask some friends, family, or your local pediatrician for recommendations. You can also call the dental office you’re considering and get a feel of the staff’s friendliness or manner of answering all your questions.
Keeping your Child in the Loop
Prepare a preschooler or older child for their dental visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is essential to go to the dentist and build excitement and understanding so they’d know what to expect. The goal here is to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by the new environment and experience. It may also help to schedule a morning dental appointment, so your child is fresh and alert. That way, you can avoid the hours when your kid gets cranky!
Scheduling the First Appointment
Once you decide on the clinic, it’s time to fill out and hand in any new patient forms and paperwork. The clinic may provide you with a form that you can hand in via email, fax, or in person. For Advanced Indiana, we keep all of our new patient forms on our website for easy access. Note that you’ll need to provide a complete medical history of your child. Your kid’s overall health can impact their dental health and how we tackle your child’s specific medical needs. Providing a complete medical history ensures your child receives the highest quality of care.
Arriving at the Clinic on Time or Earlier
Come in early to your first dental visit to complete any other necessary paperwork. It also allows you and your child to sit down, relax, take in your surroundings, and get friendly before seeing our team. Letting a child relax within this environment also sets a good mood leading up to the actual appointment.
Asking for Child’s Teeth and Gums Health Tips
During a child’s first dental exam, our goal is to get your child excited about brushing their teeth and flossing regularly. We also give recommendations on the right toothbrushes to help keep your child’s gums and any developing teeth healthy and clean. Furthermore, it’s our job to offer you tips and strategies to help prevent cavities and tooth decay, so we go over those, as well. This is also the opportunity to ask questions or address concerns about your child’s oral health from an expert. Being informed on how to keep your child on a healthy dental track is essential for your child’s holistic health.
Planning for the Next Visit
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist every six months. Dental examinations are critical to your child’s overall health and can prevent serious medical problems. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment with a trusted clinic like Advanced Indiana. Our booking process is straightforward and easy. Our committed and friendly staff will be ready to help you schedule your child’s next dental visit.
Schedule your Child’s First Dental Exam at Advanced Indiana!
Our team at Advanced Dental Care of Indiana understands your worries as a parent on top of your busy schedule. Requesting an oral examination for you or your child has never been easier! And we make sure the entire experience is a positive one for everyone.
Have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health? Schedule your dentist appointment with us today!