World Oral Health Day is celebrated globally every year on 20 March. Family Dental Care offers some advice on your little one’s first dentist visit, to ensure a positive experience.
Primary, or “baby” teeth not only help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in. Having a professional who is trained in the area of Paediatric Dentistry examine their mouth early will prevent problems down the road. It is recommended that you schedule your child to see a dentist after their first tooth shows or before their first birthday.
A positive first visit to the dentist helps your child form a trusting bond with the dentist. This in turn makes return visits to the dentist carefree for your child – and you. Reassure your child that is okay to share any fear they might have with their dentist. Also, remind your child that the dentist will explain everything carefully and that it is okay to ask any questions!
Your first visit to the dentist typically entails little treatment and is generally a short visit. This first vital experience and interaction with the dentist allows your child a chance to meet the dentist and get to know them in a welcoming and warm way. Sometimes dentists will ask you as the parent to join your child in the dental chair and possibly hold your child during examination. This allows your child to feel comfortable and safe and allows the dentist to best do their assessment.
Source: Family Dental Care