What Should Parents Expect During First Dental Visit

Many parents think that bringing their child to the dentist before age one is too early. This is because it makes them wonder what a dentist can possibly do with an infant whose teeth are not even complete. They also have the fear of the unknown, of what their children might feel once they are brought to the dentist.



American dental associations and academies recommend that children must visit their dentist as soon as the first tooth has emerged, during the first six months and not later than age one. This is for early detection of oral problems that can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. First visits are also required to establish the dental office as a home for your children and to somehow decrease the number of children with dental apprehension.



Your child’s first dental visit may be composed of several parts, depending on how your dentist deals with children. The dentist is definitely going to look inside your child's mouth, introduce the child to the dental facility, and give oral health information to parents. The duration and manner of execution of these parts depend on how comfortable and cooperative your child is in the dental clinic.



One of the best methods used by dentist during examination is to have the parent and dentist sitting down facing each another. This is known as "knee-to-knee dentistry" where the parent holds the child's body in his or her lap while the dentist holds the child's head in his or hers. A dentist Los Angeles medical facilities have may employ this technique at your request during the first visit.



A pediatric dentist Los Angeles medical facilities have will take a look at your child’s mouth to make sure that all of your child’s teeth are developing properly and at the right time. The tongue and gums are also checked for abnormalities. Most importantly, the dentist will have to know if your child’s teeth are free from cavities.



Some dentists refuse to see a child at age one and prefer those who are two to three years of age. Parents do not usually allow the dentist to look into their child’s mouth when they are crying, so these dentists would rather see a child when he/she is a bit older. To avoid disappointments, always make sure your dentist Los Angeles medical facilities have specializes in pediatric dentistry.