Most parents do not take their children to see a family dentist until they are well over two years of age. Dental professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist within six months after teething starts. Baby teeth often start coming in from six months of age. Continue reading to learn more about children’s dental appointments.
If the child’s first dental appointment is only a meeting with the dentist, then taking them at age two might be more realistic and appropriate. However, that first appointment might be because of an emergency. Children can be unpredictable, and if they had a bad fall at the playground and chipped or broke their teeth, their first appointment might be one born of trauma. Now, the chances are that the child may have difficulty letting a stranger touch or treat them.
Sadly, these cases occur regularly, where a child’s first dental visit is because of a dental emergency, and it is almost impossible to get the child to cooperate. Often, drastic measures need to be taken so the dentist can examine the child and repair the damaged tooth. This is why family dentists usually recommend that parents bring the child to the dental office during their dental appointment.
The first appointment is not exactly for any major procedure. It is more for getting the child accustomed to the dentist’s office and exploring the different tools, and probably even sitting in the dental chair. The dental office is designed to keep the child comfortable, with lots of games, toys, and other entertainment options to keep them engaged. When the child is at ease, they might be more willing to let the dentist take a peek into their mouth.
The first appointment serves different purposes. It gets the child familiar with the dental team and office setting in a non-threatening setting – building trust is easier. Also, it allows the dentist to perform a quick dental exam. They will examine the child’s jaw, teeth, gums, and bite alignment, looking for signs of tooth decay or issues that may affect normal oral development or speech. The dentist will also discuss good oral hygiene, and the child will learn how to brush and floss in fun ways. This approach ensures that children cultivate a habit of preventive dental care throughout their lives.
After the first appointment, dental professionals recommend that children visit the office every six months, except for an emergency. The dentist will continue from the last appointment and determine if the child needs any form of preventive or interventive care. For instance, they might recommend dental sealants or fluoride application. When the child clocks three, they have full dental appointments, which may include dental x-rays and dental cleaning.
It is important that you do not wait until there is a dental emergency before taking the child to visit the family dentist. Book an appointment as soon as the child’s teeth start coming in.
Request an appointment here: https://cohensgentledental.com or call Cohen's Gentle Dental at (718) 412-9440 for an appointment in our The Bronx office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in The Bronx, NY.
A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of…
Emergency dentists treat a range of oral health concerns, including toothaches. A minor toothache may not be an emergency, but a severe toothache that lingers for an extended period of time or suddenly worsens likely requires immediate dental care to prevent any additional oral health concerns and ensure ideal long-term oral health. This review highlights how…
When a family dentist discusses oral surgery, some patients experience dread and anxiety about the cost and pain of such procedures. Read on to learn more about oral surgery. Many patients are unaware that dental surgery is common and involves treatments that address problems that affect many individuals. Dental surgery is often performed as an…
A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…