Regular visits to the general dentistry office are essential for both adults and children alike. As a parent, you may have a lot of questions regarding dental appointments for your child. Knowing when to take your child to their first general dentistry appointment and what to expect from that appointment can help you prepare adequately.
If the child already has a tooth, then it is time to take them to the dentist. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this occurs when the child is around six months old. Ideally, parents should not delay the dental appointment until after the child's first birthday, whether the first tooth has erupted or not. A dental visit is important if there are signs of anomalies in the child's oral cavity, including white patches, lesions, or bleeding.
Tooth decay affects approximately one out of every five children under the age of five, according to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD). The dentist will identify and provide effective treatment for any emerging problems if they are caught early. They will do everything possible to prepare the child for a lifetime of healthy smiles. During the visit, the general dentist will examine the child for tooth decay, injuries, and other problems and monitor changes in the child's mouth as they grow.
It is important to take the child to a dentist who has experience handling children with small mouths and has a knack for turning what seems like a terrifying event for certain children into something fun.
It is also crucial to have the right dental equipment for examinations. The exam room décor, such as vividly colored wall paint and interesting murals, should appeal to children. Games, children's periodicals, and maybe a fish tank in the waiting area can help alleviate anxiety. When a youngster has a pleasant dental experience, they will be willing to return every six months for a checkup.
Ahead of the child's first tooth, gently wipe their gums with a towel (or gauze) and water, ideally after breastfeeding. There are also soft toothbrushes intended for children's mouths, although dental professionals advise against using fluoride toothpaste until the child is at least two years old. Gum-cleaning routines will help acclimate a child to a regular dental regimen early on and make their first dentist visit more comfortable.
During the appointment, the general dentist will do a regular checkup on the child, searching for tooth decay and inspecting their gums, jaw, and bite, as well as looking for frenum issues or other abnormalities that might impair teeth or speech patterns. They will also gently clean the baby's teeth and gums, provide tips on properly caring for the child's mouth, and address any concerns.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Naperville, IL
Most dentists recommend dental checkups at least twice a year, but you should ask your general dentist what they recommend for your child's specific requirements. Contact the general dentistry office today to book an appointment.
Request an appointment or call A.Y. Family Dental at 630-687-1322 for an appointment in our Naperville office.
A general dentist is frequently called upon to diagnose and treat dental abscesses. Failure to get treatment for this infection can have serious health consequences.A tooth is said to be abscessed when a pocket of pus forms due to a bacterial infection. Patients who exhibit symptoms of an abscess should see a dental professional.People experiencing…
During a visit to the general dentistry office, the dental professional will typically emphasize the importance of flossing. If you tend to forget to floss every day or have trouble with the process, you are not alone. The time and effort required to thread the floss between each tooth and remove plaque and food particles…
An appointment with a general dentist provides many benefits beyond cleaning the teeth. Oral hygiene is important to help maintain functions like chewing, swallowing, or speaking, but there is also a link between an individual’s overall health and oral health. Routine dental exams support good personal health.The body is a complex system of many parts…