.png)
When Parker's teeth started coming in we began to wonder when you are supposed to take your little one to the dentist for the first time. We also had other questions like do you take them to the same dentist adults go to? What should we expect at a dentist appointment with an infant? Etc. So I am hoping to share some information with you about this first dentist appointment!
One of Parker's teeth came in with a gray spot on it and so we talked to our pediatrician and ended up needing a dentist visit earlier than most. If you have any concerns (and or need a referral), I would recommend contacting your pediatrician.
When?
Most experts seem to agree that you should take your child to the dentist by their first birthday (or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in).
If you have any issues or concerns with your child's teeth, you may need to go earlier.
Who?
It was recommended to us to visit a pediatric dentist because they specialize in children's teeth as opposed to a family dentist who sees all ages. This seems to be a common recommendation based on the resources I have explored.
We got a referral from our pediatrician for a local pediatric dentist. Tip: You may want to make an appointment early, because I know our dentist is booked months out.
We love the pediatric dentist we take Parker to, so I would recommend that over a family dentist (but you do what is best for your children of course). He has a specialized space and equipment for the littlest of patients and he is wonderful with our child!
What to expect?
The first appointment is likely to last 30 - 45 minutes.
May include a full exam looking at the teeth, jaws, bute, gums, and oral tissues
May include a gentle cleaning if needed
Includes directions/demonstration on proper care of teeth and gums at home and information related to good habits
Will likely not include an x-ray unless absolutely needed due to a concern
If you have questions about any of the following information, the dentist would be great to ask:
Baby bottle tooth decay
Infant feeding practices
Mouth cleaning
Teething
Pacifier habits
Finger-sucking habits
Our dentist let us know that he wants us back every six months so that Parker becomes accustomed to and comfortable with going to the dentist regularly.
How to prepare?
Schedule morning appointments (children are more alert and fresh)
If your child is a little older, discuss what to expect and why the dentist is important
Build excitement
If you are anxious about the dentist, try not to share these with your child
Prepare questions for the dentist - discuss questions and concerns
Be prepared to share your child's full health history with the dentist
If you expect your child to respond in a certain way, be sure to share that with the dentist
Taking care of your child's teeth:
Clean your child's gums with a clean, damp cloth
Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush
Use a tiny (grain of rice-sized) amount of toothpaste when teeth start coming in
Wipe out any excess toothpaste with a wet piece of gauze before they are able to spit it out
Use a pea -size fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age (when they can spit it out)
Do not give your child milk or sweetened liquid at bedtime or naptime
Limit the amount of time your child has a bottle (it should take 5 to 6 minutes or less)
Help your child brush their teeth until 7 or 8 years of age
Limit foods and drinks that are linked to tooth decay (a bacteria that feeds on sugar creates acid that dissolves the protective enamel on teeth)
Do not share saliva with your infant (through kissing on the mouth, or using your mouth to sipe off a pacifier, or sharing utensils) - this can introduce the bacteria
By the time your child is a toddler, you should be brushing twice per day
If your child's teeth are touching (usually the molars in the back), you need to be flossing their teeth - this is usually around age 3 or 4 (your dentist would likely let you know if you need to before then - this is something we are doing for our little one!)
If your child is still sucking their thumb past 3, talk to your dentist about it
Replace your child's toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
Set your child up with good habits
Model good habits
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!
Sources:
Comments