Watching your little ones surpass milestones every day is a great joy for parents. Besides looking at them learn and explore the world, there is a great responsibility to keep them healthy.
Maintaining good oral health is particularly a challenging one. This journey begins the moment your toddler gets their first teeth.
Have you considered Sedation dentistry in the beginning? Are you ready to answer their queries before making a dental visit?
When to make the first appointment for your child?
Dentists have the right knowledge and experience to ensure your child's teeth' healthy development and growth. Therefore, you must plan an early check-up to save them from future troubles. The first dental visit must be around their first birthday or tooth eruption beginning.
Baby teeth are prone to decay, leading to problems like overbite, under bite, or crowding. So, a timely dental visit will ensure they do not have to face such issues in the future. The reasons that regular dental check-ups are important:
- To monitor the growth of teeth, jaw, and mouth
- Catch the dental problems before they become serious
- Get advice to maintain the oral health of your child
- Provide preventive treatments to lower risks of oral health
Kids who visit dentists more often will be familiar with developing healthy habits and going through the treatments without developing any unnecessary anxiety.
How to prepare your child for their first dental visit?
1. Stay Positive
Children are sensitive to feelings, and small things can trigger their anxiety. If you are nervous about your child's visit or dealing with your fear, avoid showing it to your child. A parent's ill-feeling becomes the reason for the child's fear.
Always discuss going to the dentist on positive terms and avoid using it as a threat for not properly maintaining their oral health.
2. Explain to them the procedures
The unknown or unexpected things can be scary, no matter your age. Ensure your child has some idea of what will happen when they visit any Northern Beaches Dental clinic. This means they won't be surprised when the dentist asks them to open their mouth and have some hand instruments.
3. Show them dental theme books and cartoon
There are many things that your kid will enjoy watching or reading. This method helps to make them more confident during their first dental visit. You will not go through much trouble to find the right books or videos that are appropriate for your children.
4. Try to schedule a morning appointment
Timing the dental visit with even the best dentist northern beaches will make a difference. Avoid it during their naps and mealtimes as they will be tired or hungry and will be less likely to cooperate with you and dentists.
So, if it fits your and your child's schedule, try to get a morning appointment when your child is hyperactive and won't throw many tantrums during the treatment.
5. Carry their favourite items
Every child has a comfort item or toy that keeps them calm and feel secure. Bring it along to give them company and help them think at ease on their visit to the dentist.
While some dentists do have kids' activities and toys available at their dental clinic to keep the little ones distracted while they are waiting.
6. Give them rewards
If your child needs a little encouragement, you can offer them a gift or take them to their favourite activity. This will motivate them to go for a regular dental appointment in the greed for rewards that comes afterward.
Sometimes this also helps to make sure they are on their best behaviour. Just make them avoid sugary treats and take care of their oral health by regularly flossing and brushing. If you visit the family dental practitioner, they have their rewards to show appreciation.
7. Take them to your appointments
If you go through Sedation Dentistry in any of your visits, it will help make your child understand that some treatments are painless. Bringing them along will give them a good idea of what they can expect on their visit.
This also provides them an opportunity to get introduced to the dentists. It will make them familiar with the dental practice's sounds, smells, and sights to build familiarity.
What are the things to consider while making a dental appointment?
A few things you must consider while booking an appointment with a dentist:
- Do not book the appointment when your child is tired, or it's nap time. Ensure they are relaxed and well-rested before heading to the clinic.
- Avoid letting your child snack just before they pay the visit. Save them for after they have a pleasant stay.
- Make sure the child gets a light meal before the appointment. Also, make them brush their teeth after that.
- Understand your child's fears and anxiety instead of shouting at them. Stay calm and work with the dentist to make it easier for them.
How to take care of baby teeth?
Many things help you to maintain good oral health. Some methods to keep your child's mouth healthy are:
- Brushing two times a day with toothpaste to avoid cavities.
- You can wipe their gum with a wet cloth or pad to keep their mouth clean for newborns.
- For children younger than 3 years of age, use a pinch of toothpaste
- While children older than 3 years use a pea-sized toothpaste to brush their teeth
- Clean between their teeth daily once the two teeth begin to touch. It helps get rid of the food under the gums and between their teeth.
- Make regular visits after your baby's first tooth. The dentist will let you know if they have cavities or plaque or when they can expect the next baby teeth.
- Take into consideration what your child eats and drinks, as many of them will hurt the baby's teeth. Sugar and acid will make the outer shell of teeth weak and higher risk of cavities.
The Endnote!
There are multiple chances that your child will go through dental treatment, and you might want to consider sedation dentistry initially. Plan their dental treatment according to the best paediatrician at your place.