Time to take your little one to the dentist for the very first time it can be a good experience…SRD on 5th gives you a few tips to make the experience a good one.
When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?
Our dentists at SRD on 5th recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets his/her first tooth! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child visit their dentist by six months after his/her first tooth appears or by one-year-old, whichever comes first.
How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?
The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude! Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions. Any negative comments made about trips to the dentist can cause your child to fear an unpleasant exp
erience and act accordingly. You may even show your child the picture of our staff on our website so we are more familiar to them when they arrive in the office. Let your child know that it’s important to keep his teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help him do that. Remember that your dentist is trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you basic information about dental care. Your child’s hygienist may do a quick cleaning if necessary. The doctor will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop.
At what age is it appropriate to use toothpaste to clean my child’s teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. For children under 2 years, use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush their teeth. For children 2-5 years old, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s teeth brushing.
Please call our SRD on 5th office at 256-320-5778 to schedule your child’s visit with us. We will be glad to answer any further questions you may have!
