WE BELIEVE IN AN EARLY BEGINNING:
The American Dental Association (ADA) is recommending that children be seen starting at age 1. More than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old, sometimes as early as age 2. Dental care for children, prevention of early childhood cavities, use of fluoride, thumb sucking, teething and relationship between diet and oral health are discussed at this early visit.
WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD BEFORE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
You can be of great assistance to your child by talking about the visit in a positive, matter-off-fact way. Don’t tell them fearful stories that may cause anxiety.
Schedule morning appointments. Young children tend to feel better and are more cooperative at this time of the day. You may tell your child about the visit the night before allowing it to be the highlight for next day. An enjoyable beginning results in a great child-dentist relationship.
YOUR CHILD’S FIRST VISIT:
Dental visits are a source of fear for so many children and adults that taking some time to get your child off on a really positive start is worth some thought. Creating a great first experience may do your child a service that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
At this first visit we will:
- Do a comprehensive examination
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- X-rays - Very young children may be unwilling to do cleaning and x-rays. Sometimes only an examination is accomplished but it is important to us that your child leaves the office feeling happy.