It’s widely known that children, or as we like to call them – our Nova Dental Kids, are the favorite patients at Nova Dental Clinic.
Parents place their trust in us because they know their little ones are in safe and patient hands, and that there is no place for fear here. With the right approach and techniques used in pediatric dentistry, a dental office becomes a familiar and comfortable environment for children.
The first visit plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s attitude toward dental care, and parents often ask us – when is the right time for their child’s first check-up? In today’s blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the first visit to the dentist and its importance in maintaining oral health throughout life.
When is the right time for the first visit?
Pediatric dentistry recommends that the right time for the first visit to the dentist is around the child’s first birthday. During this visit, the dentist will “peek” into the child’s oral cavity, check whether the first teeth are healthy and erupting in the correct order, and guide parents on how to ensure their child has healthy teeth and a painless process of oral growth and development.
Why is the first visit to the dentist important?
About 17% of people suffer from dental fear and anxiety.
This phobia often develops as a consequence of a negative dental experience during childhood, most commonly from a traumatic first visit. A major mistake is taking the child to the dentist for the first time only when they are in pain, a decision justified by the parents for the reasons like “they’re just baby teeth” or “they’ll fall out anyway.”
Experiencing the first dental visit under pain and swelling conditions creates the impression that every dental visit will be painful like that, and memories of a traumatic first visit often follow patients into adulthood.
An early first visit offers multiple benefits: First, it allows us to detect any changes that need to be treated early. It also helps prevent the development of serious symptoms. Under such circumstances, the child realizes that there is no need to fear dental treatment.
What are the benefits of early visits and regular check-ups?
As we always emphasize, prevention is half the battle for health. During the first child’s visit, many issues can be identified and corrected to prevent the development of oral diseases. Whether it’s noticing the effects of inadequate oral hygiene, identifying foods that cause plaque and cavities, or addressing habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and mouth breathing, the dentist will highlight what needs to be changed in the child’s daily routine.
Advice and guidance on oral hygiene, demonstrating brushing techniques to parents and children, and education on diet and everything that needs to be avoided in order to maintain healthy teeth will be invaluable for your child’s oral health.
On the other hand, establishing a habit of visiting a dentist every six months from an early age spares you the discomfort of dealing with oral health issues like plaque, cavities, bad breath, and more. It also helps you save money which extensive dental treatments require after the consequences of neglected oral health become apparent.
How to prepare your child for the first visit?
Parental cooperation is crucial in developing a child’s attitude toward the dentist. If parents present the first visit to the dentist as a natural and preventive step without creating unnecessary excitement, the child will likely feel more relaxed. Since parents are the first role models for their children, having the child accompany them during their own dental check-up can demonstrate the importance of dental care and show that it is neither scary nor unpleasant.
Talking to the child beforehand and realistically explaining what to expect during the visit will help ensure the visit goes smoothly.
What if the child is afraid and refuses the check-up?
Parents often bring their children to the dentist under stress after a previous negative experience. These cases may involve crying, refusal to sit in the dental chair, or resistance to opening their mouth, expressing negative emotions even when simply talking about a dental treatment.
In such situations, it’s essential for the dentist to recognize that the child has developed dental fear and anxiety. A friendly approach, a gentle tone, and reassuring the child that nothing will be done without their consent or harm are crucial steps in building trust between the child and the dentist.
The “tell-show-do” technique, where the dentist explains the treatment, shows the instruments, and introduces the child to the dental office before beginning, greatly helps foster trust and overcome barriers in communicating and working with the child.
At Nova Dental Clinic, we’re known for our work with children and the educational efforts our doctors generously share with them. A safe environment for your child which shapes their lifelong attitude toward dental care, as well as an individualized approach is what make us unique.
Raising awareness about oral health among new generations is our contribution to society!
So, schedule your child’s first check-up on time to ensure they face life with a smile. After all, what could be more beautiful than a happy child with a smile?
