Visiting the dentist as a child can be scary for kids, but early intervention can help prevent costly dental issues in the future. There are many benefits of going to the dentist as a child, including getting used to the experience, having fewer cavities, and even getting to know your dentist. However, it is important to note that not all children need to visit the dentist right away, and some may even be put off by the prospect. Here are some guidelines for when your child should visit the dentist:
Benefits
There are many benefits associated with visiting the dentist as a child, including getting used to the experience, having fewer cavities, and even getting to know your dentist. Children who visit the dentist every 6 months can also reduce their chances of getting cavities by almost 80%. This is because the first visit puts them in the habit of going to the dentist regularly so they don’t forget to come back as they get older. Other benefits of visiting the dentist as a child include strengthening your child’s natural defenses, getting important dental tips for a lifetime, and getting to know your child better by chatting with the dentist.
Another important benefit of visiting the dentist as a child is that it can help reduce the amount of antibiotics given to children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, antibiotic use in children has increased by 70% since 2000. This is due to the fact that many parents take their child to the dentist because they are experiencing pain or have had a lot of cavities in the past. While antibiotics can help in these situations, they also have negative side effects so it is best to avoid them whenever possible. By visiting the dentist regularly, your child can be put on a program of good oral care that avoids antibiotics as much as possible. This will help them avoid the negative side effects associated with antibiotics.
First Visit As a Child
If your family has a history of cavities or gum disease, or if you child has already had a lot of cavities, it is best to visit the dentist as soon as possible. This will allow the dentist to check for cavities before they get too deep and cause permanent damage. If your child has sensitive teeth, they may also need special care during the visit. Children who have sensitive teeth may be given nitrous oxide to relax them. If your child is not used to the dental office, it is best to go during the day when they will be awake and able to get used to the experience. This will make the visit less traumatic for them.
If your child has never been to the dentist before, it is best to make an appointment for their first visit. It is important to note that most dentists do not require a child to have their first visit be under the age of 12. This is because children’s teeth are often less mature than those of an adult and do not have the same roots and build. This means that a child can have more teeth removed than necessary if the issue is not caught in time. The first visit is a good time to get used to the dental office and to build a relationship with the dentist.
When visiting the dentist, it is best to ask a parent to accompany your child into the room. This will help make the visit easier, especially for younger children. It also gives the parent an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how to care for their child’s teeth. It is a good idea to bring a toy or a book for your child to keep them occupied and calm during the visit.
Two-Step Morning Meeting with the Doctor
For children who are old enough to sit through an hour-long visit, it may be beneficial to make a two-step visit. The first step is the morning meeting with the doctor where they will be given all the instructions and advice they need to care for their teeth. The second step is the actual exam where the doctor will take a look at your child’s teeth and provide advice on what they can do at home to avoid cavities.
If your child has never been to the dentist before, you may want to consider booking an appointment for the morning meeting only. This will allow your child to get used to the dental office and get used to the routine before they go in for an actual exam. This will also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the visit.
If your child has been to the dentist before, you can skip the morning meeting and go straight to the exam. This is especially helpful if your child has already had a lot of cavities and is due for a cleaning. The exam will allow the doctor to see if anything needs to be fixed before the cleaning or if the cleaning can be done right away.
More DIG around then visit
If your child has had a lot of cavities in the past and you want to make sure that they do not get any more, it is best to make more DIG around them than visit them. This way, you can catch any issues before they become cavities. If your child has had a lot of cavities in the past, they are more likely to have more coming up. This is because the bacteria that cause cavities tend to build up in your child’s teeth with each cavity they have. This means that your child needs to be on a regular schedule of DIGging around them.
If the bacteria are not caught in time, they will start to cause cavities. This can be prevented by DIGging around your child’s teeth each day and visiting the dentist every 6 months. If your child has had a lot of cavities in the past, they may also need to see the dentist for a cleaning at least once a year. If your child has never had cavities before, you may not need to visit the dentist for so long.
Conclusion
It is important to note that not every child needs to visit the dentist as early as 6 months. However, this is a good time to start getting your child into the habit of visiting the dentist. This can help them avoid cavities in the future and get used to the dental office. It is also a good idea to make sure your child has a good toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also invest in dental floss to help clean their teeth and remove any food that gets stuck in between them. Your child should also be given plenty of time to play and explore their surroundings. This will help them stay healthy and develop important skills for a lifetime.