Your child's FIRST DENTAL VISIT should be no later than

1 YEAR OF AGE.*

 

THE FIRST VISIT – WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILD?

You can help us make your child’s first dental visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Please talk to your child about the visit but discuss the visit in upbeat positive terms. Do not go into great detail about what will occur. Tell him or her that we are going to “count” their teeth and that we might “take pictures” of the teeth. Please refrain from using any words that might cause unnecessary fear such as “needle”, “pull” or “drill”. We will explain our procedures to your child in terms designed to be pleasant and non–threatening. The first visit is not uncomfortable and should be a positive experience for you and your child.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE FIRST VISIT? At the first visit your child’s medical and dental history will be reviewed. Dr. Auerbach chooses to spend extra time with the child their parents at the first visit to really get to know them and to listen to what their concerns or questions are. A head and neck examination will be completed. Your child’s teeth, oral tissues and jaws will be examined. Your child’s teeth may be cleaned and polished (unless your child has several areas of decay or is very young) and a fluoride solution or coating may be applied. Dental radiographs (x-rays) of your child’s teeth may be obtained. Brushing and flossing instructions will be given and reviewed so that your child may do a better job of maintaining proper oral health. Nutrition may be reviewed. After these procedures have been completed, the doctor or a staff member will meet with you to review the findings, to make recommendations and to answer any questions you may have.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

After the doctor has evaluated your child at the initial visit, he will recommend a course of treatment and regular checkups individualized for your child. Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend two evaluations per year, about six months apart. Generally we recommend that your child be seen twice yearly for examinations, a professional cleaning and the application of fluoride supplements. Children with no cavities or those with exceptional oral hygiene may be seen less frequently. Children with a high incidence of dental decay or very poor oral hygiene may be seen much more frequently until such time as their oral hygiene has improved and their cavity rate has reduced. Due to the difficulty in keeping their teeth clean, children in braces will generally need to be seen more frequently.

WHY VISIT THE DENTIST TWICE A YEAR WHEN MY CHILD HAS NEVER HAD A CAVITY?

Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Regular teeth cleanings remove debris that builds up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause cavities or gum disease. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening the teeth and preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child’s brushing and flossing leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums. Tooth decay isn’t the only reason for regular dental visits. A pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health. For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes or sealants for ideal dental health. Orthodontic problems may be identified and prompt corrective measures undertaken.

 

 

 

 

 

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