Did you know that babies can get cavities as soon as their first tooth erupts? This is why it is so important to schedule your baby’s first dental visit within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth.
Your baby’s dental visit isn’t only about warding off cavities; your dentist will help you understand your child’s oral development and how to take care of his or her developing teeth. Your dentist will also educate you about common baby oral health issues like:
- Baby bottle tooth decay
- Pacifier habits
- Mouth cleaning
- Teething
- Finger-sucking habits
- Infant feeding practices
Continue reading to learn what to expect during your baby’s dental visit, how to prepare, and tips for finding the best children’s dentist near you.
What to Expect
If you suffer from a fear of the dentist, rest assured—your child’s first dental visit should be simple and stress-free. The purpose of this visit is for you and your child to establish a relationship with the dentist.
The dentist will also examine your baby’s new tooth, gums, and jaw to check for proper development. Sometimes, a dental cleaning is necessary, but you can trust your dentist or hygienist to be extra gentle.
Once the exam and cleaning are finished, your dentist will take time to discuss proper oral care for your baby, teething, thumb-sucking, and pacifiers. Your dentist will also answer any questions or concerns you may have.
At the end of the appointment, you should schedule your baby’s next visit.
Preparing for Your Baby’s Dental Visit
Even at such a young age, children can detect how their parents feel about certain people or situations. So if you have an aversion to the dentist, try not to pass it on to your child. Talk positively about the dentist, read helpful books beforehand, and make the appointment something your child looks forward to.
When scheduling the appointment, be sure to pick a time that works with your baby’s sleeping and eating routine. This way, your child will be well-rested and cooperative during the appointment. We don’t expect perfect children, but we want to eliminate as many causes for a meltdown as possible!
Prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist. No question is too silly! Your dentist is here to help you help your baby develop a healthy, beautiful smile.
Finding the Right Dentist
To find the best dentist for your child, ask for recommendations from your pediatrician, family, and friends. Also, check with your insurance company to learn which dental care providers accept your insurance.
We recommend choosing a family dentist for convenience, stability, and many other benefits.
Once you have a list of dentists, check out their Google reviews and webpages for more information about their dental practice. Be sure to look at their location and business hours to see if they will work with your family’s routine.
After narrowing down your list, you can call the practice to ask any additional questions and schedule a time to meet with the dentist. Although this can be time-consuming, it’s the best way to determine which dentist is best for your child.
During this appointment, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I feel welcomed and valued here?
- Is my child comfortable and happy?
- Are the dentist and the dental team approachable?
- Is the dentist patient and gentle with my baby?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the right fit for your family.
Start Today
Your baby’s oral health is extremely important for his or her overall health and development. Start searching for the best family dentist for your child and schedule an appointment today.
To make an appointment with our friendly and caring dental team, call 630-629-5700 today. We look forward to meeting you and your little one!
