Your Child’s First Dentist Visit: The Key to Lifetime Oral Health in Lansing, Michigan
New parents have plenty on their minds: ensuring their baby is healthy and happy, managing hectic schedules, and navigating countless novel situations. When it comes to your child’s oral health, rest assured that help is available right here at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan. It all begins when you bring your youngster in for their first visit to the dentist.
“Get It Done by Age One”: Why Early Visits Matter
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first checkup should occur by age one. You might be surprised, but even if only a few baby teeth are visible, there is plenty of important work to be done. This early visit allows us to start developing healthy habits that will make future visits to the dentist far more pleasurable for your child.
Unfortunately, some kids develop tooth decay at an early age. Our team will be on the lookout for cavities, but that’s only one part of the visit. Equally important is reviewing the proper ways to care for a young child’s mouth, going over their developmental milestones, and discussing the importance of good oral hygiene.
Preparing for the First Appointment at Schaefer Dental Group
Children often pick up on their parents’ feelings, so if you are nervous about going to the dentist yourself, try not to let it show. This first visit usually involves simply talking to you and your child, looking in their mouth, and making initial oral health assessments.
Tips for a Smooth Visit:
It’s best to tell your child what to expect beforehand, without making too big a fuss about it. You could even build some excitement by helping them get ready for “the big day.”
It’s a good idea to bring a comforting toy, a snack, and an extra diaper or two, just in case of fussiness. If possible, leave other kids at home, so the new patient can get all the attention. If not possible, bringing another adult along, however, may free your attention to focus on your child’s oral health. Likewise, filling out forms in advance may save time and effort on the day of the visit.
What Happens During the Checkup?
When you and your child are comfortably seated in the office at Schaefer Dental Group, a gentle examination of your child’s mouth will be performed. The primary goals are to uncover any early signs of dental problems such as tooth decay and to assess your child’s risk for developing the disease in the future.
Often, this kind of risk assessment can help us prevent — and even reverse — the early stages of tooth decay, sometimes without any drilling.
Maintaining Top Oral Health
Finally, various ways to keep your child’s oral health in top condition will be discussed. This may include how diet, eating habits, and oral hygiene practices can help prevent tooth decay—the most common chronic disease of childhood. That’s an important subject for everyone — even more so if your child is at greater risk. If any preventive treatments (such as fluoride) are needed, a full explanation will be given. We will also review tips on cleaning and brushing effectively, and a follow-up visit will be scheduled as required.
Many habits are developed early in life. That’s why it’s important to heed the advice to “get it done by age one.” So when it’s time for your child’s first visit to the dentist in Lansing, Michigan… don’t hesitate! You’ll be glad you came in.