The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by the time they are one year old, ideally after their first tooth emerges. While this may seem very early, it's important to know that children can get cavities too. If left untreated, baby tooth decay can disrupt and affect the development of adult teeth.
So, knowing all this, you've started looking for an experienced and compassionate pediatric dentist in Folsom & Elk Grove, and found one at The Spot for Smiles. Here's how you should prepare for your child's first appointment.
Get in touch with the team at The Spot for Smiles and schedule an appointment for preventive care for your child. Try to book the appointment at an hour when you know your child is well-rested and less likely to be fussy. Ask the office if they need you to fill out any forms and if they can send them to you online so that you take care of this task before the appointment. This way, you won't have to waste any more time and risk that your child will lose their patience or get hungry/sleepy.
If you want to make the visit as enjoyable as possible, it's important to prepare your child for what's to come. Explain to them what will happen during the appointment and why going to the dentist is so important. Read them books about going to the dentist and show them pictures of kids in a dentist's chair. You can also roleplay and take turns playing patient and dentist. This way, you can help your child prepare and familiarize themself with the entire process.
Understandably, your child may feel anxious about their appointment. Help them maintain a positive attitude by reassuring them that they are safe and you will be there next to them. You can also suggest that they bring their favorite toy with them and the dentist could use the toy to demonstrate what will happen.
You can also turn the visit into a positive and enjoyable experience by offering them a reward at the end, such as a sticker, an hour of playtime at their favorite park, and so on.
The purpose of this appointment is that your child gets used to sitting in the dentist's chair, gets accustomed to the environment and the instruments, and understands that nothing bad will happen to them.
The dentist will also check your child's teeth for any signs of decay or other issues. They will also teach you how to properly care for your child's teeth and gums and ask any questions you may have regarding their oral health.
Get in touch with the fantastic team at The Spot for Smiles to book your child's first dental appointment.
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