The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental appointment by age 1, or when their teeth start to erupt. We strongly believe that children who visit our office before they reach 3 years old tend to have a better outlook towards dental care throughout their lives.
Your Child’s First Visit
As adults, most of us have probably been to the dentist plenty of times and we know what to expect. A child has no idea what to expect and it’s up to the parent to help introduce the dentist office in the best way possible. We also understand that not knowing how your child will react to coming to the dentist for the first time might make you nervous, so we’ve written an article devoted to your child’s first visit.
A parent is always welcome to observe their child’s first visit in the exam room while we build a positive relationship with our new little-person patient.
By starting with a child at an early age, we can address things like teething, thumb sucking, infant oral health care and preventing childhood cavities. We can also offer support and suggestions for you, the caregiver, on nightly power struggles you likely face over getting your child to brush.
The role of a parent is obviously key in achieving good oral health!
To be honest, a child’s dental appointment is often more nerve wracking for the parent than for the child. One of the most helpful things you can do for your child is to try to be as natural and easy-going as possible when talking to your child about coming to the dentist. We realize that’s no easy feat for many adults, but kids are super sensitive to your feelings and they can easily pick up on your anxiety.
Dental school involves extensive training in pediatric dentistry, and therefore we can usually handle routine check-ups and many common behavioral problems that can arise. We strive to work with you and your child to provide the best possible dental care and while we happily handle routine dental care and treatment to our pediatric patients, we will also happily provide a referral to a pediatric office if that is what is in your child’s best interest.
We have excellent relationships with a number of pediatric dental offices in the area, such as Dr. Emily Scholl, and have no reservations that they will provide anything less than superior care to our young patients who may not be quite ready to succeed in our dental home.
Final Note
With specialty training and a fun, relaxed, family-friendly environment, we strive to give your child a good dental experience each and every time you visit. From the very first visit, starting at a very young age, through each and every subsequent dental cleaning or treatment visit throughout their adolescence, their awkward teenage years, and into adulthood.
Together we can help your child by providing the highest quality of oral health care and inspiring them to have confidence in themselves, and in their team of dental care providers, during every dental visit.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us for your child, just give us a call at (207) 782-5308 or contact us online.
Make an Appointment for Your Smile!