YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT
Often parents wonder when they should take their child for their first dental hygiene appointment. In this blog I will be discussing when to take your child, what to expect on that first dental visit and future outcomes of that initial visit.
Usually at the age of 3-4 is a great time to schedule your child’s first dental visit. However if parents are concerned about their child’s teeth and/or if their child has bumped a tooth or teeth prior to that age then I would definitely schedule an appointment sooner than later.
When I am seeing a child for their very first dental hygiene visit, I keep it POSITIVE. This is crucial so that your child feels welcome and comfortable in the new surroundings. Mom or Dad or both are welcome in the operatory dental room with their child. I like to use show and do technique. I will first show the child that the chair goes up and down and also reclines. Quite often they are excited for a “ride” in the chair. Next I show them how to dispense water in the cup, which again is quite exciting for the little ones to be in charge of this. I then, will show them my tiny mirror and air water syringe (this too is super fun as I show that this can blow air like a minature blow dryer or spray water and when pushed together it creates a super small “super soaker”) After that I show them the “tiny” vacuum also known as the suction, I have them turn it on and off and let them feel the suction. Following that I proceed to count the teeth and if the child knows how to count I encourage them to count with me. While I am counting the teeth I am looking at the spacing of the teeth, looking for any loose teeth and if there are any signs of cavities. Once this is complete I move on to the polish, again showing the polisher and how the latex free cup goes around and around. The child gets to choose what flavour of polishing paste that will be used. After polish is completed, child is seated upwards and will rinse with help from myself or parent. After flossing is done the child gets to choose what flavour of fluoride varnish that will be applied topically. I then will instruct child and parent that there should be nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes because it takes 30 minutes for the fluoride to be absorbed. In some dental offices, radiographs (xrays) maybe indicated to see in between the teeth. During this dental visit dental home care is discussed and the proper brushing technique is shown. Also any recommendations that I feel that would help improve the child’s teeth is explained. However if per chance the child is apprehensive I never force any dental treatment. If we just get a ride in the chair and maybe a quick look inside then that’s okay. We wait another 6-9 months and as the child grows so will this experience. If I do notice something that absolutely needs to be done a referral to a children’s dentist (Peododontist) is done. At these offices they can use laughing gas to get the job at hand done. Best part for the child, at the end of the appointment they receive a “grab” bag with new toothbrush, children’s toothpaste interdental floss wands, a small poster to hang on the fridge to track when they brush their teeth, sugarless gum (only if its okay with the parent) and a toy!
In closing the average age of a child’s first dental visit is around 3-4 unless the parent is concerned. I personally keep this initial visit and following visits POSITIVE and FUN. A good first dental visit is paramount for continued success of subsequent dental visits.