There will be many “firsts” in the life of a young child, many of which will be important to their development. The right introduction to the dentist’s office can be more valuable to their long-term dental health than you might realize. An initial appointment gives your dentist the chance to check for any early signs of developmental trouble, and provides you an opportunity to learn about how you can protect their teeth at home. While these services are important, you should know that early experiences are also beneficial because they help kids grow used to the environment of the dental practice. Our El Paso, TX dentist’s office helps patients of all ages feel comfortable when they are with us. By providing an early visit for your young child, you can help make sure later appointments are less stressful, which can make them feel more at ease as they continue to enjoy pediatric oral health care!
Bringing Your Child In For Their First Visit With The Dentist
At the time when a child’s first tooth arrives, or at the time of their first birthday, you should make plans to bring them for their first pediatric appointment. The goal during an initial appointment is to help your baby become familiar with a new location, and with new people. This visit also provides a chance for your dentist to see if there are any early warning signs that should be checked out. While this will be a less involved visit than the typical pediatric dental appointment, it can be good for a small child to have early introductions. Recognizing the dentist’s office as a friendly setting can make future appointments easier, which can make the adjustment to more conventional preventive care more comfortable.
Early Care Can Help Establish Good Habits
Early appointments help establish that a dental practice is a safe environment, and they provide early opportunities to have your child’s still-developing smile examined. Protecting their dental health at this age improves their chances for having their smile develop without issues. Early problems with dental decay can lead to issues like the premature loss of primary (“baby”) teeth, problems with pain, and the early arrival of permanent teeth. Because these appointments are also your chance to discuss providing smile care at home, they also give you a chance to make sure you are doing enough to keep a child’s teeth healthy.
Make Sure You Encourage The Right Oral Hygiene Habits At Home!
Just as you should practice good habits at home in addition to seeing your dentist for routine dental exams, children should enjoy consistent oral care at home as well as at their checkups. Until they are capable of doing it on their own, you will be responsible for cleaning your child’s teeth. Carefully brushing and flossing with a reduced amount of toothpaste fights bacteria and keeps enamel strong. To further protect your kid’s teeth, make sure they are enjoying a diet that is low in sugar.
Our El Paso, TX Practices Help Patients Of All Ages Maintain Lovely Smiles!
Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX is proud to provide quality oral health care to kids and adults in our community! Find out more by contacting our Dyer St. at 915-859-7000.