You are not alone if you are preparing your child to visit the dental office first. Most Saskatoon parents are excited and nervous in the run-up to this appointment. Questions such as “How young is too young?”, “Will my child be scared?” and “What actually happens?” are quite widespread.
The pleasant fact is that the first dental visits should be soft, pleasant, and non-stressful. The goal is not treatment. It is comfort, education, and making your child feel safe. This is what you will actually want to know, and how you will make the first visit of your child a wonderful one.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The majority of dental experts suggest that you should schedule the first appointment for your child by the time he/she turns one year old or six months after the emergence of the first tooth.
This might sound too soon, yet such visits work:
- Normalize dental care and make it safe.
- Examine premature tooth growth.
- Provide parental advice about brushing, diet, and habits.
It is fine, provided that your child is older than he/she visits the dentist. It is never too late for a first visit, and dental teams regularly welcome first time patients of all ages.
What happens at a first dental visit?
A child’s initial visit to the dentist is quite different from an adult’s. It is calm, approachable, and is pacing your child. Most first visits include:
- Time to settle down and a warm reception
- On the dental chair, possibly on the lap of a parent
- To count teeth and determine their growth
- A mild inspection of the gums and teeth
- Light cleaning, if your child is good
- Recommended fluoride treatment
- Questioning the time of parents.
The visit seems more of an introduction than a medical appointment on most occasions.
How long does the appointment take?
The average first dental appointment lasts 30-45 minutes, depending on your child’s age and level of comfort.
Younger children can be completed earlier, whereas older children can spend more time in the room and become more familiar with the procedure. It is always about making the experience positive, not about haste.
How can you prepare your child for the visit?
Some planning will go a long way. The following are some of the easy methods of making your child feel prepared:
- Use positive language and avoid scary words
- Talk about the dentist as someone who helps keep teeth healthy
- Practice opening wide and counting teeth at home
- Read a children’s book about visiting the dentist
- Schedule the appointment earlier in the day when possible
Your calm attitude is important. Children often pick up on how their parents feel.
What parents should bring?
To facilitate the visit, carry:
- Your child’s health card
- Details of insurance, where appropriate.
- Something to make one feel better, such as a favourite toy or blanket.
- Any questions you may have
The initial appointments are the best opportunity to enquire about brushing, thumb sucking, pacifier use, dietary habits,and cavity prevention.
What will I do if my child is nervous or crying?
This is quite normal and very ordinary.
Dental teams that care for children are equipped to influence behaviour in a gentle, non-hurried manner. No coercion, no pressure, and no condemnation.
The visit may be best just simply sitting in the chair, meeting the dentist, and leaving with a pleasant memory. The first step is always to build trust.
Why early dental visits matter?
Although the baby teeth will later be lost, they are very significant to the health of your child. Early dental visits help:
- Stop empty spaces before they start.
- Early detect spacing or bite issues.
- Form good brushing habits.
- Lessen dental anxiety during the growth of the child.
Children who receive dental care at an early age feel more at ease and confident in subsequent visits.
Why choose a kids dentist in Saskatoon?
A children-oriented clinic realizes the special needs of families:
- Harmless language and hospitable surroundings
- Additional tolerance and encouragement
- Toddler, preschool experience and school age children experience
- Easy-to-use healthcare for busy Saskatoon families
It can make a difference for your child to have a dental home they are comfortable visiting.
Ready to book your child’s first dental visit?
The initial visit to the dentist is an occasion your child can enjoy rather than a stressful situation. Having a single tooth or multiple teeth, an early start is the way to the lifetime of healthy smiles.
When you have questions or you are willing to book, call your local kids’ dental clinic in Saskatoon. Our group is delighted to help you and your child throughout.