How To Prepare Your Child For Their Dentist Checkup

Did you know that your kids can begin seeing the dentist as early as six months old? By this time, they will have grown in their first few teeth! These checkups should continue twice a year as your little one grows up. We understand that going to the dentist may not be the most exciting activity for your child, but there are ways to make the experience more positive. In today’s blog, your team at Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, is here to talk about ways to improve your child’s experience at the dentist.

Set A Good Example Starting At Home

Before bringing your little one in for their checkup, make sure that a good oral hygiene routine starts at home. You can start by brushing their teeth for them at home until they develop the fine motor skills needed to brush on their own. You can make this part of their daily routine more exciting by brushing alongside them or playing a song that is long enough to brush their teeth to. Make sure that you are also properly brushing and flossing to show them the importance of this step. Your little one may want to start brushing their teeth by themselves, but make sure to watch them and help them when necessary.

Bring Them With You To Your Appointments

The dentist office may seem scary to your child because it is an unfamiliar place. You can start by bringing them in for their first visit by the age of one year old. This helps the team get to know your child and set a baseline for care. You can also bring them with you to your own appointments so they can watch from the sidelines. This might help them get a better understanding of what is going on during a biannual cleaning and examination.

Have Restorative Treatments Done Promptly

A poor experience in the past can also increase your child’s anxiety around dentist appointments. If they have had a cavity before that lead to an aching tooth, they may feel stressed about the situation. To avoid this problem, schedule restorative treatments as soon as possible if they are needed. Having a cavity filled promptly can help avoid discomfort and toothaches for your little one. As an extra step, fluoride treatments and sealants may be available to help prevent tooth decay from occurring. Fluoride may help add minerals back to the tooth and avoid decay. Sealants can act as a barrier between their tooth and harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.

Schedule An Appointment For Your Family Today

Dental cleanings and examinations are important for patients of every age. To book your next visit for yourself and kids, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, at 972-329-7645.