Your Child’s First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time around the age of one, then every six months after that for a regular checkup and professional teeth cleaning. Because kiddos are so young when they visit the dentist for the first time, it’s important to set them up to have a great experience. Here are a few ways you can help:
Choose a Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists have special training and know all about little teeth. Not only are they especially equipped to work on the unique healthcare needs of children, but they also know how to make a child feel comfortable in the chair. The right dentist will be friendly, personable, knowledgably, and specifically geared towards kids.
Allow for Questions
When my oldest daughter was first learning to brush her own teeth, she was so proud to take care of her teeth on her own! Visiting with a pediatric dentist is the perfect time for your kids to become a part of the process. Have the pediatric dentist demonstrate to them how to care for their teeth, and ask questions directly to the dentist if they choose to.
Take Care of Paperwork Early
Most dentist offices allow you to fill out a lot of the paperwork ahead of time. You can even call beforehand to check on insurance coverage and learn what you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Taking care of these administrative things before the appointment will save time and keep the appointment quick and easy!
