A child’s first visit to the dentist may not be quite as significant as their first words or their first steps, but it’s pretty close! The first dentist visit can be an important, formative moment for both parents and children alike.
At our dentist Oxenford, JJ Smiles, we specialise in children’s dentistry Gold Coast, and we can help to ensure that your child’s first visit to the dentist is as successful as possible. In this article, we’ll let you know about a few key children’s dental facts and provide some guidance on what to expect.
When should I bring my child in for their first appointment?
At our cosmetic dentist Gold Coast, we generally advise that you should bring your child in for their first dental appointment when their first baby tooth becomes visible. If they are a year old and this still hasn’t happened, it is also time to bring them in. You might also wish to bring them in earlier if you notice anything that you think requires examination by a dental clinic Helensvale.
How will my child react?
It is to be expected that your baby or young child may find the initial experience a bit strange, with an adult they don’t know examining their mouth in an unfamiliar setting. It is not uncommon for babies or young toddlers to fuss or cry during their first experience of a dental visit at a dentist near me. This is to be expected. Our friendly and approachable dentist Oxenford team are trained to make your child as comfortable as possible. We will help to explain to your child in their own terms what is going on and how we are trying to lend them a hand to grow up big and strong.
As a parent, there are a few things you can do to make your child feel comfortable before, during and after their first dental visit to an Oxenford dentist. It’s vital that when you talk about the dentist you do so using positive words. For example, you might mention the dentist in connection with the tooth fairy. It is important to remain calm during the visit so that your child can pick up on your attitude. It is also important to never use a trip to the dentist as a threat because this will build it up in your child’s mind as a scary thing to do.
What will the dentist talk about?
Our bulk billing dentist Oxenford will be looking for specific things during your child’s first dental visit and will be providing guidance on common children’s dental issues and dental development. Topics which your Oxenford dentist may discuss include:
- Baby teeth and adult teeth
- How to brush teeth in the best way
- What to do about thumb sucking
- The best dietary habits for healthy teeth
- How to prevent tooth decay
- How to take care of your child’s gums
- How to keep your children’s teeth safe from trauma
The dentist Helensvale may also look for common dental issues that occur in children. These dental issues include but are not limited to:
- Sensitive teeth
- Thumb sucking
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis or gum disease
- Baby teeth problems
- Ulcers or canker sores
- Dental anxiety
Tooth decay in children
Tooth decay, also known as caries, is quite common in young children as their baby teeth start to emerge. It is important to detect, because in its early stages it can often be reversed, and proper dental advice can be given to ensure the long-term health of your child’s teeth.
You might be able to tell that your child has tooth decay if they have a band of white or even brown or yellow colour on the tooth near their gums, and in more advanced stages of decay this may also increase to include more of the tooth surface.
There are multiple causes that predispose young children towards tooth decay. Baby teeth do not have enamel that is as thick or as hard as on adult teeth, increasing the chances of decay developing. It can also be challenging for parents to properly take care of their child’s teeth if they don’t know the correct techniques.
The health of baby teeth is important because although they do not hang around forever, they do play an important role in helping children to function on a day-to-day basis, such as by eating and talking. They also help to ensure that adult teeth come through in their normal positions.
Book an appointment at a Gold Coast dentist near me
If it is time to arrange your child’s first visit to the dentist, contact the best dentist near me, your local family dentist near me, by calling 07 5529 7567, emailing reception@jjsmilesdental.com.au, or booking online. We can also help as a dentist offering braces Oxenford, a check up and clean Gold Coast dentist, and cosmetic dentist Gold Coast.
