The Happy Visit: A Child’s First Trip to the Dentist

You want your child’s first experience at the dentist to be a positive one no matter what age they are. A child going to the dentist for the first time is often a handful of anxieties. Any dentist or hygienist using the right techniques can transform the most terrified child into a cooperative patient who is no longer afraid – a child who will leave the office with a smile on his face.

The American Dental Association or (ADA) recommends that you schedule your child’s first appointment with the dentist after their first baby tooth erupts. These early visits are encouraged between 12-18 months of age for several reasons. Educating mom and dad on proper nutrition and dental hygiene for their kids is a big part of that. All children should be socialized into the dental setting with what we call “happy visits” beginning by age two. This no-stress visit would be tailored to the child’s level of maturity and self-confidence. A ride in the “cool dentist chair”, playing with the air-water hand piece, and seeing a big sister do all this are all steps to successful rapport building even with the tiniest of patients. 

Some tips for a good first dental visit:

• First and foremost, pick a dentist that has a good reputation for working with kids. Some dentists specialize in pediatric dentistry but many family dentists will also be able to meet both you and your child’s needs.
• Secondly, if you decide to bring your child to the dentist at the age of one, try not to make a big deal about the visit. They can sit on your lap and you can comfort them as you would at any doctor’s appointment.
• Thirdly, your child may not remember their first visit to the dentist if they were a baby or toddler. We find a great way to help kids adjust is to bring them with you while you have your teeth cleaned and examined. They will be able to observe what the hygienist and the dentist does in your mouth. Allow them the opportunity to ask questions during your appointment.
• Another way you can help your child adjust is to talk about what a dentist does. Using things such as a small mirror at home to look in their mouth and count their teeth helps make them feel more comfortable when the dentist does it.
• Leading up to their first appointment, encourage your child to brush their teeth letting them know that their dentist will be excited to see nice clean teeth at their appointment. Tell your child how great their smile is and how their dentist wants to see them smile.
• Stay away from using phrases such as “Don’t worry, they won’t hurt you”. This places the idea in your child’s mind that it could hurt. Keep things low key and easy going. Kids also tend to do better with morning appointments rather then afternoon.

In the end, your goal is to create a non threatening environment for your child’s first experience at the dentist. You want to help them be excited about taking good care of their teeth which will in turn help them take better care of their whole body.

Avoid Baby Bottle Syndrome & Keep Those Pearly Whites Forever

Babies can and do get cavities, just like children and adults.

Baby Bottle Syndrome is caused by a particular set of circumstances.

It occurs when a baby is allowed to fall asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. If the bottle contains a Sugary carbohydrate, (like soda, sugar water, juice, formula, or milk) and the liquid is allowed to pool around the teeth, the bacteria that are present will form acid, which eventually leads to decay.

Baby Bottle Syndrome usually forms on upper front teeth and back molars first. The lower front teeth are protected by the tongue, and decay in this area is seen more often in very advanced cases.

What are the signs of Baby Bottle Syndrome

1. You may notice you baby or child is having some tooth sensitivity. They may be bothered by sweet foods or cold foods or liquids
2. You may see white decalcified spots or areas at the edge of the gum line. This is the beginning of Cavity formation and these will eventually turn brown just like an adult cavity.
3. Look at your Child’s teeth, especially the front teeth top teeth. Look for signs of discoloration or pitting. These are the first signs of decay and you should seek the help of a Dentist or Pediatric Dentist immediately.

You Can Prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome!

1. Do NOT put your baby to bed or nap time with a bottle!
2. Do NOT Dip your Baby’s Pacifier in Honey! (yes some people do this!) Aside from being bad for the teeth, honey is contra-indicated until age 2 for children!
3. Begin Brushing your Child’s teeth as soon as they come in! You can use a soft damp baby wash cloth. No need for toothpaste at this age as your little one will swallow it and we do not want that.
4. Start your little one on a schedule of regular dental exams by their first birthday!

Find a Pediatric Dentist you LOVE!

It’s Ok to give your little one a pacifier and his or her favorite blanket to go to sleep. However, I would caution against even a plain water bottle as this could be a choking hazard.

Good Dental Habits start early!

So to end with a Dose of Humor.. My Mom always said to us “Be true to your Teeth, Or they’ll be False to you!”