It is never too soon to establish a healthy foundation for your child’s oral health. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that your baby has their first dental visit before their first birthday, or six months after their first tooth erupts. This will help to make sure there are no developmental problems, and also give your child a pleasant first experience at the dental office to set the groundwork to future positive dental visits. This initial dental visit will help your child become familiar with a dental office and the staff in a pleasant environment, while building trust with the dental team, and should likely take no more than to thirty minutes.
What will your child experience?
–Your child’s teeth, jaw, gums, and bite will be carefully checked to rule out problems.
–A gentle cleaning may be done if necessary.
–Our dentist will show you how to clean your child’s teeth.
This is also a good time for you to ask any questions you may have about your child’s oral health. It is helpful to schedule the visit in the morning to minimize your child’s tiredness and overall mood. This will help them feel more calm and cooperative, making it a happy experience.
You will learn how to care for your child’s developing teeth, how to use fluoride properly at the right time, how to handle your child’s oral habits such as thumb sucking, how to help your baby through the discomfort of teething, how your child is progressing developmentally, how to avoid accidents that could harm your child’s teeth, and how to use a healthy diet to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles by learning and implementing healthy oral habits early on! Call our dental team at Magnificent Mile Family Dental today at 312-280-0034 if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we will help keep you and your family smiling!