Guide to Taking Your Kids to the Dentist
Taking your child for their first dental visit can be a challenging time, especially for the child. The many unknowns about the dentist, dental procedures and their effects can be quite overwhelming for someone so young and it’s up to the parents to ensure that their child isn’t paralysed by fear.
As such, the team at Preston Dental Centre would like you to know what you can expect during that first dental visit with your child.
Introduction
The dentist will start by trying to gain the child’s trust so that the child isn’t fearful during any dental procedures that need to be done. The dentist will use techniques such as age-appropriate language, touring the office, explaining the procedure, etc to assuage the child’s fears. Doing so helps the child feel comfortable during the first dental visit and other subsequent appointments.
Dental Exam
A customary component of a child’s first dental visit is a preliminary exam of their oral cavity. This allows the dentist to search for and identify any potential issues like gum disease, tooth decay or cavities. If deemed necessary, the dentist could also perform a professional tooth cleaning and apply fluoride to the child’s teeth. This process removes any plaque or tartar, prevents future problems like decay, and strengthens the enamel.
X-Rays
This process occurs only if the child is the right age and if the dentist deems it necessary. These dental scans are used to diagnose underlying issues that a typical dental exam can miss. A protective apron is used to protect the child from harmful radiation during the X-ray procedure.
Dental Education
After the exams and scans are complete, the dentist will walk both parent and child through some techniques and tips to ensure that the child’s dental health stays optimal. This might include information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, how diet affects oral health, what toothpaste and mouthwash are effective and safe for children, etc. This allows parents and children to maintain good dental hygiene for extended periods and also allows them to react quickly when any oral issues are detected.,
Referrals and Follow-Ups
If any dental issues are detected during the child’s first dental visit, they will need immediate remediation. Hence the dentist will refer the case to a pediatric dentist or other dental specialists to perform the necessary procedures.
Additionally, an appointment will be scheduled for 6 months or a year later, depending on the child’s oral health. This appointment is for a follow-up examination that allows the dentist to see how the child’s oral health has held up since the first dental visit.
Handling Anxiety During the First Dental Exam
Dental anxiety in children is a frequent issue, especially with regard to their first dental exam. Here are some ways for parents to help children alleviate the effects of dental anxiety.
- Encouragement and positive reinforcement can help the child see the dental visit as a positive experience. It also helps to offer additional incentives for after the appointment, like a fun outing or a special treat.
- Assuaging their fears by answering their questions also helps. Positive language goes a long way to show how safe the dentist’s office is and it also comforts them before and during the procedure.
- Distracting the child from their fears with a beloved book, toy, song, etc, can mitigate dental anxiety’s effect significantly. Some dentist offices provided kid-friendly movies and TV shows that have the same effect.
- A kids dentist (aka pediatric dentist) specialises in treating dental issues in children and will be well-equipped to make dental appointments more comfortable for a child.
Preston Dental Centre – Keep On Smiling
The hurdle of your child’s first dental visit is daunting but necessary to clear. Early dental visits are crucial to maintaining a child’s dental health. With a positive approach, children will have good oral health without dental anxiety.
Please contact us if you need dentistry services. Preston Dental Centre provides some of the most advanced dental services in Ottawa. We take a patient-centred approach in all our procedures, ensuring that you receive the best dental care possible.