What to Expect from a Child's First Dentist Visit by Cleo Gib


What to Expect from a Child's First Dentist Visit by CLEO GIB
Article Posted: 06/02/2016
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What to Expect from a Child's First Dentist Visit

Health

Many parents wonder when they should start taking their child to one of the Fairbanks dentists to have their teeth cleaned and checked. The general consensus is that children should have their first appointment by their first birthday or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. Here is what to expect at that first appointment.

Meet the Dentist

The first appointment is typically short. The main goal for the appointment is to get the child comfortable with the dentist and make sure that they’re on track for healthy oral hygiene. The child should formally meet anyone working in their mouth to help him or her feel more comfortable.

Learn Basic Oral Hygiene Habits

During the visit, the dentist may demonstrate the proper way to clean and care for the child’s teeth. Parents should be prepared with any questions that they have about oral hygiene, especially since parents should help their children until they can properly brush on their own.

Count the Teeth

After putting on gloves, the dentist opens the child’s mouth to count how many teeth they have. Some 1-year-old children may only have 1 or 2 teeth at this time, but it’s still important to have these teeth checked out. Examine the Mouth After counting the teeth, the dentist examines the child’s teeth for decay. Then he or she may check the gums, jaw, and bite to ensure that everything is in order. If the child uses a bottle or pacifier or sucks his or her thumb, the dentist needs to check the teeth in order to ensure that there won’t be permanent damage.

Polish Teeth

The child needs to feel comfortable with instruments before they go into their mouth. At this visit, the only instruments that one of the Fairbanks dentists might use include a polishing tool to clean the teeth and the vacuum tool to suck up spit and excess toothpaste.

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