Bringing Your Child to Their First Dental Visit

Taking your child to the dentist plays a vital role in the proper development of good oral hygiene and ensuring their jaw forms correctly. Ideally, you should take your child to the dentist within six months of developing their first tooth.

Dentists on the Gold Coast, a leading provider in Queensland, compiled the following list of what you can expect from your child’s first visit to the dentist and how to prepare them for a comfortable experience.

Early Habits That Affect Jaw Development

At the appointment, your child’s dentist will discuss best practices for infant oral hygiene and proper jaw development. Understanding what factors shape your child’s jaw development can save you thousands of dollars on corrective braces and surgeries down the line. Did you know that certain infant feeding practices and baby bottles contribute to tooth decay? Or that pacifier habits and finger-sucking habits can cause the jaw to form incorrectly?

Preparing Your Child for The Dentist

Creating positive dental experiences for your child makes them more likely to pursue good oral hygiene and regular dental care as adults. The dentist’s office can be a scary environment for children of all ages. Chances are, your child won’t remember his or her first appointment as an infant. However, just like adults, children should visit the dentist about twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings.

When your child is old enough to understand, explain why visiting the dentist is important. Furthermore, never project your dental anxieties onto your child. Instead, build excitement around brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist.

Preparing Yourself and Your Child’s Dentist

Equally as important as preparing your child for a dentist appointment is preparing yourself and your child’s dentist. Give the dentist as much information as you can about your child’s health and dental history, and share any concerns you have about your child’s oral health. Moreover, you know your child better than anybody else so tell the dentist if your child is prone to certain anxieties or behaviours. Knowing this information helps us approach and talk about procedures in a way that will help your child stay calm.

What Happens During Your Child’s First Dental Check-Up?

Finally, you’re prepared and it’s time to move on to the visit. Your child’s first dental appointment with Dentists on the Gold Coast usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Here’s a rundown of what we do:

• A full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues.
• Gentle cleaning to polish teeth and remove plaque, tartar and stain.
• Showing you and your child how to brush, floss and care for your child’s dental health at home.
• Depending on your child’s age and the issues present, we may conduct an X-ray to diagnose early tooth decay or a problem with teeth growing in.

Great dental care sets your child up with a healthy smile for life!

To schedule an appointment with the leading dentist in Queensland, call Dentists on the Gold Coast on 07 5689 5460.