What To Expect From Your Child’s First Visit
At age two, kids need to undergo a checkup and cleaning every six months. But the first visit to the dentist should happen at around age one. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about what to expect from your children’s initial visits, and how to protect their smiles with good homecare habits.
When to Schedule an Appointment
We would love to see your child for the first time once the initial primary tooth has erupted, which actually happens around age one. The initial appointment is known as a happy visit, as we don’t usually offer treatment, but make sure the teeth are erupting as they should. The dentist will likely conduct a knee-to-knee lap exam. If care is needed, we can discuss this. Our team will also talk about how to care for these first teeth, as they need to be cleaned to avoid the onset of tooth decay. Once your child is two, we will recommend regular six-month checkup and cleaning visits.
What Happens During This Visit
During a six-month visit, we will talk to your child about how he or she cares for their smile, and about their snacking habits. We want to help them understand how to care for their smile, and understand the importance of good oral health. An exam is then conducted, using detailed digital imaging systems to obtain clear and accurate images, so we can make a diagnosis with precision. We’ll identify the earliest stages of issues like tooth decay, so we can provide treatment before they progress and threaten tooth stability. We also make sure the baby teeth are falling out as they should, and that permanent teeth are erupting properly. We also clean the teeth, a procedure that uses ultrasonic scaling technology and a manual pick to remove all plaque and tartar to safeguard the smile from cavities and gingivitis.
Additional Preventive Treatments
Our team could also provide preventive treatments during these visits to lower the risk of cavities. During each exam, we could apply a fluoride gel to strengthen the outer layer of enamel and reduce cavity risks. We also have dental sealants, a special plastic coating we add to the rear teeth to prevent food from becoming stuck on or between these hard-to-reach teeth. The sealants can stay in place for up to ten years in some cases! If you have any questions about how to treat poor oral health in little smiles, then contact our team.
Ready for Your Child’s Visit?
We want to help kids keep their smiles strong, and that starts with the initial visit. If you have any questions about how our team helps kids of ages enjoy good oral health, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services