You have a baby and you want to make sure they have healthy teeth for life. Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that specializes in treating children from birth to adolescence. It’s never too early to start teaching your little one about dental hygiene, so it’s important to find an Arlington pediatric dentist who can provide them with the best care possible.
The first visit will be very informative as your child learns what their new dentist does and why they are there. They’ll also learn how brushing their teeth correctly is important for good oral health, which is something every parent wants for their child!
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of a baby’s first dentist appointment!
Does My Baby Need a Dentist?
In short, the answer is yes.
Dental care should start as early as possible because it’s important to be proactive about oral health from an early age. In the long run, having a great relationship with your child’s pediatric dentist may keep them visiting the dentist often and for longer periods.
When you bring your child to an Arlington pediatric dentist, they can help them with keeping their teeth clean and healthy. They will have a good grasp on how to take care of your little one’s baby teeth before their adult teeth come in so that they keep oral health at the highest level possible.
What Age Should I Bring My Baby To A Dentist?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as every child is different. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you take your child to a dentist by their first birthday at the latest.
One of the best things about pediatric dentistry is that they offer a wide variety of services to meet the needs of your child. These include cavity detection, fluoride treatment, and sealants. Sealing your child’s teeth helps prevent cavities from forming as their adult teeth come in.
In the long run, this will help keep dental visits to a minimum while helping your baby enjoy excellent oral health throughout their lives.
What Should I Expect From My Baby’s First Dentist Visit?
The first visit is all about getting to know your child and their dentist. They will want to know how your child reacts to different dental tools and procedures so they can better understand how to care for them in the future.
Your child will also get a chance to look around the office and ask any questions they may have about the Arlington dentist and the staff working there. It’s a good idea to come up with questions in advance so you both have something to say when you get there!
After this initial visit, your child will return every six months to ensure their teeth are being properly taken care of. The timing of each appointment can change depending on how well your baby’s teeth are growing and developing.
Other Things To Prepare For
Depending on how old your baby is when you bring them in, there are other things you might want to prepare for. Here are some areas that your dentist might cover.
Lots of Questions
Expect to get asked a lot of questions about your child’s health history and any dental care anyone in your family has undergone. This is important because the pediatric dentist will want to have a full picture of your child’s oral health.
A Cleaning
Even if your child doesn’t have any teeth yet, the pediatric dentist may give them a cleaning. This is to clean off any bacteria that may be present on their gums. Doing this will help to reduce the risk of developing cavities in the future.
Some Exams
Expect X-rays as part of a comprehensive exam, as well as examinations under anesthesia which dentists can use for procedures that require special tools or equipment. This is important because it provides the pediatric dentist with a clear picture of your child’s oral health.
Flouride
Expect your child to receive a fluoride treatment and learn how it’s important for keeping their teeth strong. This is a small amount of fluoride that’s put into a gel or foam and brushed onto the teeth.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
The pediatric dentist will give you oral hygiene instructions to follow at home so that you can help keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy. These instructions will likely include brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing their teeth once a day.
Expect to leave feeling like you and your child know more about dental hygiene and what it means to keep your baby’s smile healthy for life!
Preparing Your Baby For Their First Visit
Out of all the things that your baby will experience on their first Arlington pediatric dentist visit, it’s best if you prepare them in advance. The more comfortable they feel with what to expect, the less anxious they’ll be when you get there.
Here are some tips for preparing your child for their first day at the dentist:
The best way to have your child get used to the idea of visiting their pediatric dentist is by turning it into a routine. This can happen before you even set foot in the Arlington office!
Starting at around six months old, bring your baby with you when they’re not feeling well. This lets them see where you go when they’re not feeling well and it gets them used to having a medical professional looking after their teeth.
At nine months old, take your baby with you on a shopping trip for their first toothbrush. This gives them the chance to handle one without getting too overwhelmed. Cover the toothbrush in strawberry or grape flavoring to make it more fun for them.
When your child is about twelve months old, start brushing their teeth for them. This will help get them used to the feeling of toothpaste on their gums and it will make it easier for them when they have to do it themselves in the future.
The more often you can introduce your child to the kid’s dentist in Arlington beforehand, the better. This will make it easier for them to get used to the idea of going and what they’ll have to do when they get there.
Then you’re ready for their first dentist appointment.
Is Your Child Ready for an Arlington Pediatric Dentist?
It’s never too early to start teaching your little one about dental hygiene, so it’s important to find an Arlington pediatric dentist who can provide them with the best care possible.
Now that you know more about the importance of a baby’s first visit to our office, it’s time to get in touch! We’ll get your child used to the idea of visiting their Arlington pediatric dentist and we’ll get them started on their journey towards a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Contact us to book an appointment today!