When Should a Child's First Dental Appointment Be Scheduled?
Parents of newborns are often confused about when their child’s first dental appointment must be scheduled. They are also confused and wonder whether the child should be taken to the family dentist, or a pediatric dentist should be sought for the treatments. This blog attempts to answer the questions in parents’ minds and the reasons why a pediatric dentist must be preferred for the child’s dental care.
Dental health for children begins even before the first tooth erupts. Parents must clean the gums with a clean and damp cloth until they are ready for a dental visit.
The First Dental Appointment to the Pediatric Dentist
It is recommended that the first visit of the child to the pediatric dentist should be within six months of the first tooth erupting or age 1. It is a visit to make your child comfortable with the dentist. The first visit to the dentist’s office will last for approximately 45 minutes. Depending on the age of the child, the visit may include an examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. Your child’s teeth may be cleaned gently if necessary to remove any plaque or tartar and stains. The dentist will teach you and the child proper home cleaning like brushing and flossing and advise you on fluoride treatments.
X-rays are not done on children because baby teeth will fall out by the age of six. However, the pediatric dentist may recommend x-rays to detect tooth decay, depending on your child’s age. X-rays may also be used to verify if the root of a jammed baby tooth could be affecting permanent teeth. Generally, it would be best if children did not have dental x-rays unless they are a critical requirement.
The Second Appointment
Children must be taken to the pediatric dentist every six months, just like adults visit the family dentist. Some pedodontists may schedule visits every three months to build comfort and confidence in the child. The frequent visits can help pedodontists to keep a watch on developmental problems.
Things to Check before Visiting Dentist’s Office
Parents understand full well the children’s teeth will fall out by the age of five or six and generally prefer to visit family dentists for any treatments needed by the child. Rather than adopt this behavior, parents must request a referral from their family dentist to a pedodontist who is a specialist in treating children.
General dentists can also treat the dental conditions of children but have not received the qualifications needed to manage children effectively. Pediatric dentistry requires a dental professional to acquire additional education for three years or more after graduating from dental school. They receive training to handle children of all ages beginning from infancy to adolescents. They are also experts in managing children with special needs. Obtaining a referral from a family dentist for the child is an excellent idea, but you must attempt to understand the things to check before visiting the dentist.
Speaking with your relatives or friends to understand whether the pediatric dentist is a capable individual for managing children will prove helpful and build confidence in you. Visiting the dentist’s office for a consultation with your child’s complete dental history will prepare the dental professional for a visit. Look at whether the dentist’s office has a child-friendly environment and is keeping the needs of all kids in mind to create a fear-free atmosphere.
Pedodontists training involves behavior management, pediatric dental oral anatomy, child sedation procedures, and the dentist you have been referred to must be capable in all these aspects. It would be best if you scheduled an appointment with Dr. Brown in Kids First Dental. This pediatric dentist in Roanoke has all the qualifications and the experience needed to care for your child’s dental needs appropriately.
Before beginning any treatment, this dentist will advise you on how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay and instruct you on why milk, juice, or sweetened liquid must not be given to children at bedtime. This dentist will provide all instructions regarding the child’s dental care in a child-friendly and hospital free environment.
Taking children to a family dentist will not prove helpful as they are unable to detect developmental problems at an early age. Pediatric dentists specialize in exclusively treating children and are the professionals that should be contacted for the dental requirements of your child.