According to a study, you can save between $8 and $50 in restorative and emergency dental treatment for every dollar you spend on preventative dental maintenance for your children. Your little one's first dental appointment marks a significant step in ensuring their dental health. 

When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should see a dentist by age one. That might seem young, but you should understand that toddlers can get cavities as soon as their first tooth appears. Early dental exams are essential for helping children build a rapport with their dentists and feel comfortable in a dentist's office. That will make future appointments easier. 

What to Expect

It is not easy to comprehend what would happen during the first visit, given that your child only has a few teeth. However, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Waiting until your child is three or four years for the first dental exam may be too late. It may delay the benefits of preventive dental services. 

Still, it is never too late to take your child to the dentist. Some of the things you can expect during the visit include the following:

A Warm Welcome

You will receive a warm welcome from the dental team at your child's first appointment. You will then fill out a new patient form before going to the dentist's office. Your pediatric dentist's office will probably have a child-friendly waiting area with awesome toys and books to help your child feel comfortable and safe.

The Exam

Your pediatric dentist will perform a quick but thorough examination of your child's mouth. Pediatric dentists know how to make kids comfortable and cooperative. When your kiddie is ready, the dentist will examine his/her teeth, gums, and jaws and evaluate their development and growth. 

The Cleaning

The dentist may clean your child's teeth, depending on their age. It may not be necessary to perform a dental cleaning if your child is one year old. The dentist may gently clean if your child is two, three, or four years old. 

The pediatric dentist will use friendly, nonthreatening language to describe dental tools to help your child feel relaxed. The cleaning may involve losing the teeth, removing hardened plaque, and polishing the child's pearly whites.

A Chat With the Dentist

After the dental examination and cleaning, your dentist will wrap up the appointment by discussing things you can expect as the rest of your child's teeth erupt. The discussion will include topics like thumb sucking, how to floss and brush, pacifier use, and general dental health tips. The dentist will schedule your little one's next visit before you leave, usually in six months.

Conclusion

When should your little angel first see a dentist? What should you expect during the visit? These are questions parents of young children ask themselves. Also, it is normal for them to worry about how their kids will behave at their first appointment. The best thing you can do is ensure you are ready for your child's first visit.

For more about pediatric dental care, visit Boss Dental Care at our Corpus Christi, Texas, office. Call (361) 245-5400 or (361) 992-7551 to schedule an appointment today.