Your Child’s First Visit to Dentist

Make It Fun!

Dental professionals today are well equipped to make a child’s dental check up a pleasant experience. Using a show and tell approach, they explain what they are doing in words that fit a child’s vocabulary, e.g. the x-ray machine is a camera and the drill is a fine engine that whistles and squirts water.

Fear of dental care is not instinctive! Children will not fear dental treatment unless they have a bad experience or learn it from someone. What parents say and do can help children have a better experience during their first visit.

When should my child first see the dentist?

Ideally a child’s first visit should be as early as 1 year old and not late than two and a half year when all the milk teeth have grown.

Why start dental visit so early?

There are several good reasons for early dental visits:

·        Parents might not recognize early dental problems.

·        Early dental visits allow your dentist to prevent problems rather than spend time correcting them.

·        If any problems exist, these can be diagnosed early and managed before it gets too complicated.

·        Advice on nutrition and home dental care is provided earlier.

·        Children start to get cavities as soon as the first teeth emerge. Babies put to bed with a bottle of juice or milk are likely to develop extensive decay.

·        Cavities in milk teeth need to be filled- to relieve pain and allow the child to eat, talk and smile confidently.

·        Children can have developmental dental problems like crooked teeth or bad bite. The sooner these are discovered, the better the chances of successful treatment.

·        It is important that the first visit is pleasant, not anxiety-producing. Going to see the dentist only when the child has problems, does not allow this.

How do I choose a dentist for my child?

Ask the following questions when choosing a dentist:

•   Does the dentist seem interested in prevention?
•   Does the dentist recommend sealants (protective coatings applied to the chewing surface of back teeth), provide diet and home care counseling and fluoride treatment?

·        If your child has an unusual problem, you may wish to see a paediatric dentist, i.e. someone who has special training in the care of children. Ask your dentist or your pediatrician for recommendation.

How do I prepare my child for the first visit to dental surgery?

Parents play an important part in getting children started with a good attitude towards dental care.

Be completely natural and easygoing when you tell your child about the appointment. Enable your child to view this as an opportunity to meet new people who are interested in him and want to help him stay healthy.