Is Your Child Ready to Meet a Kids Dentist?

Professional dental care is essential for ensuring good oral health for infants and children. Pediatricians and pediatric dentists agree that a child should see a dentist by his or her first birthday. At least one out of every four children in America has a cavity by the age of four. Some kids develop them even earlier. In order to prevent early tooth decay, you should determine your child’s risk with help from a qualified dentist. The first dental visit provides education for you and your child. It will include advice about age-appropriate oral care, behavioral issues like thumb sucking, accident prevention, teething, development milestones, and the effect of diet on oral health.

Your Baby’s First Visit to the Kids Dentist



When preparing for your child’s introduction to dentistry, look for pediatric dentists who are child-friendly, knowledgeable, responsive, and patient with small children. A kids dentist should answer all of your questions clearly, and focus on your child’s specific healthcare needs. A good dental clinic will offer emergency contact information, give detailed follow-up instructions, tell you what will occur next in your child’s dental development, and promote preventative care. To save time, ask the office to mail you any forms you’ll need to fill out for the initial visit. When the big day arrives, bring along your child’s favorite toy or another object that will bring comfort and ease fears.

The First Exam: What to Expect



Pediatric dentists address oral health for infants and children during an initial consultation by reviewing their dental and medical histories, responding to parent questions and concerns, and discussing health issues that will likely occur in the future. Your kids dentist will probably examine your child’s mouth manually while you are holding him or her in your lap. During the visit, you’ll learn how to clean your child’s teeth properly. The dentist may also perform a dental cleaning, especially if your child’s teeth are stained. If it appears that your child is at higher risk for cavities, your dentist will discuss preventative treatments and follow-up care. Working together with a kids dentist, you can give your child the best chances of having a healthy smile for life.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.