Child’s First Visit To Your Family Dentist In Edmonton
Your child’s first dental visit is usually a meet and greet with the dentist to break the ice and help them feel more comfortable in the environment. If it makes your child feel more at ease, the dentist may ask you to sit in the dental chair with your child during the exam. Next, your dentist will examine your child’s mouth for tooth decay and any other problems with their bite, gums, jaw and tissues. Your child may also require a teeth cleaning and a fluoride treatment depending on the condition of their oral health. To better help prepare your children for good dental care, your family dentist in Edmonton may provide you with information and suggestions on basic oral hygiene practices and dental developmental issues. Topics of discussion may include:
- How to help prevent plaque buildup and cavities
- How fluoride can help fight tooth decay
- How thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and lip sucking can affect oral health
- How to help provide comfort during teething
- How nutrition can affect oral health
- When to schedule dental checkups. Your dentist may recommend visiting twice a year to help your child feel more comfortable and confident with oral care. Regular visits can also help ensure their teeth are developing properly and any problems are caught and treated early.
Help Children Welcome Visits to Your Family Dentist in Edmonton Dental fear is common amongst toddlers and young children. Whether they are visiting the dentist for a dental checkup or cleaning, it’s important for you as a parent to help alleviate some of that anxiety. Talking to them about what they can expect and the importance of good oral care can give them peace of mind and set the tone for their oral health habits. Here are a few more tactics you can try to help them overcome dental fear:
- Spend time reading picture books about visiting the dentist. Visuals can better help your child understand what exactly a dentist does and why it is important for their overall health.
- Have them play “dentist” with a doll. Encourage them to open the doll’s mouth, look inside and clean its teeth.
- Bring with you one of your child’s favourite toys, which can be a great distraction in the waiting room and dentist’s chair.
- Rewarding your child for being so courageous and patient can go a long way. For example, planning a trip to the park after the visit can help your child stay positive.
- Showing them how cheerful and calm you are during your dental checkup can help ease their stress. Toddlers are perceptive and will take notice of how you react when visiting the dentist, so be sure to always put your best foot forward.
- Congratulate your child for being brave, and be supportive if they have a difficult time adjusting.
Janz Family Dental offers complete dental services for children of all ages. During your child’s dental visit, they can slip on a pair of headphones and watch their favourite movie during their dental visit. We offer comprehensive dental treatments and procedures for the whole family, from toddlers to seniors. Whether you or your child requires a dental check-up or teeth cleaning, we can help you with all of your oral care needs. When you visit us, you will be asked to complete medical and health information forms concerning to ensure we are up-to-speed on a patient’s medical history.
