Your Moose Jaw Invisalign® Provider
Starting with the emergence of your infant's first tooth, you should begin bringing your child to see the dentist twice a year. Today our Moose Jaw dentists discuss what to expect from your child's first dental cleaning at Aspen Dental.
Although most dentists recommend that children begin to visit the dentist between 6-12 months of age, your child's first dental cleaning will most likely take place a little later, once most of their baby teeth have emerged.
This means that the initial cleaning is typically performed during your child's toddler years at around 12 and 36 months old. It is at this time that your child's dentist will be able to detect and remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth before they become a serious problem.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Dental Cleaning
We recommend that you spend some time talking with your child about what will take place at the dentist's office before the first cleaning visit happens. Talk to children about the significance of keeping their teeth healthy, and describe what the dentist will do in language that is suitable for their age and stage of development.
It's a good idea to keep it basic, providing too many details may cause your youngster to get concerned. Consider saying something along the lines of "The dentist is going to look at your teeth, count them, and make sure they are healthy and strong. The dentist’s name is Dr. Doctor. They are really nice!"
If your child is already worried about visiting the dentist, try to avoid using words and phrases that might trigger concern such as shot, pinch, and needle since they are likely to stick in the mind of your child.
If dentist appointments are a source of worry for you, try not to express your feelings to your child during the session. When it comes to responding to new experiences, kids tend to look to their parents and caregivers for direction. If you appear to be concerned, they will be as well.
During the Appointment
At Aspen Dental we encourage you to speak with us in advance and tell us a little about your child's personality. Do they have a tendency to be afraid or rebellious when confronted with unknown situations? Does your child have any attachment or developmental concerns that we should be aware of and address during the appointment?
We strive to provide your child with a positive dental experience. The more information we have, the more we will be able to cater to your child's individual requirements and ensure that they receive the care that they require.
At the beginning of the session, we will inspect your child's teeth, jaws, gums, and bite to ensure that they are in good health.
In addition, we will use specialized devices to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, exactly like we do with adult patients.
We will present recommendations for correct brushing and flossing techniques. Whether your child washes and flosses his own teeth or you still do it for them, it never hurts to get a refresher course on the subject.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have concerning your child's oral health or any impending dental treatments during the visit.
Following the completion of the exam and cleaning, we will schedule any required follow-up visits. Also, if you like, we may schedule the next cleaning and checkup session sooner if necessary.