(734) 999-9909
Going to the dentist may seem like a simple feat now, but many still have some trepidation of approaching a dentist for help. While some issues with teeth and gums can be negligible, sometimes, even overbearing pain can cause a pause before a patient approaches the dentist.
Most may not admit it, but the usual reason for this is because of a base fear of dentists and their implements. Although this seems incredibly irrational, this usually stems from a bad experience—or a lack of one—from going to the dentist. It is for this reason that a child’s first dental appointment is incredibly crucial—it can potentially have long-lasting effects for the child.
To help you understand the importance of your child’s first dental appointment, here are several things a parent must know.
Should I go to a Pediatric Dentist or a Regular Dentist?
Understandably, one of the first things to know is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a “regular” dentist. At a base, they both fulfill the same function—taking care of the teeth of their patients. Despite this, however, a pediatric dentist is often more expensive than the services of a “regular” dentist.
The reason for this is that pediatric dentists are trained for a longer period, drilling them with the needs of a child’s teeth and its general development. Furthermore, the facilities and general demeanor of pediatric dentists are catered towards children, giving them an environment more suitable to calming a child.
To help give your child a better experience, your best option is to have a pediatric dentist handle their first dental appointment.
When should I approach a dentist for my child?
The best time to approach a dentist for your child’s first check-up is within six months after their first tooth has appeared or at least by the time they are one year old. This way, the dentist can do a general check of their dental health, as well as supply you with the knowledge necessary to care for your child’s teeth.
Although many parents would think that it’s better to simply approach the dentist when something hurts, this can become problematic for the child. Certain problems can be averted through proper oral care, which can easily be learned as soon as you visit a dentist.
What happens during the first visit?
Your child’s first dental visit will usually involve a lot more talking rather than any procedure in general. After doing a general check of your child’s teeth for tooth decay, a dentist will also inspect the overall health of the gums, jaw, and oral tissue of your baby. If necessary, then a gentle cleaning will also be done.
Ultimately, however, the point of the first visit is to familiarize your child with the dentist’s office. By starting them at a young age, they can get used to dental visits, allowing them to avoid the fear of going for a check-up. Aside from that, dentists can provide valuable information about caring for your child’s teeth—which can help avoid any potential problems in the future.
Conclusion
Going to the dentist may seem like a regular chore, but for your child, their first visit can dictate the future of their oral health. By starting them at a young age, they won’t just avoid the fear of going to a dentist, but they will also learn the importance of dental care from a young age.
Are you looking for a local dentist in Ann Arbor? At the Dental House, we don’t just care for your teeth, we provide you a whole range of dental cosmetic treatments in the most comfortable setting you’ll ever experience. Get in touch with us and schedule an appointment at one of the best dental spas in Michigan.
