If you’re a first time parent, chances are you’re not sure when your little one needs to go to the dentist! We get it; you’re busy with all the other doctors’ appointments that small children need. And that’s why we want to help you answer all your questions. You can assure yourself that following these steps will help keep your kids’ teeth healthy and avoid all the icky cavities that even little ones can get. So here are a couple of guidelines about your child’s first dentist visit (make sure to contact your dentist in Farmington, Utah, for answers to more of your questions):
1. Bring your child in early. Like mentioned on our FAQ page, you should bring your child in for his/her first dentist visit 6 months after the first tooth erupts (or approximately 12-18 months old). Because each child grows at a different rate, each of your children may need to come in at a slightly different age, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow. So when your child’s first tooth comes through, mark your calendar, then call your dentist in Farmington, Utah, and make an appointment.
2. Prepare your child. Dentist visits can be very scary for some young children. There are a lot of loud, unfamiliar machinery and procedures—but it doesn’t have to be scary if your child is prepared. Talk to your dentist first so that you know exactly what is going to happen; then, talk your child through the procedures. Help them feel excited by showing excitement yourself. Explain why the dentist will do certain things and remind your child that you will be there every step of the way.
3. Have a plan. Some kids, even though they’ve been excited for the dentist, might still have a hard time when they are actually sitting in the chair. Bring comforting objects (like a favorite blanket or a stuffed animal), a soothing song on your smart-phone, or anything that you know will help your child to calm down. If you are prepared, you will be able to help your young one make it through their first dentist visit.
The more prepared you are, the more successful your child’s first dental visit will go! So don’t hesitate to ask questions, search the web, or talk to friends and family about the best ways to help your child do well at his/her first dental visit!