At What Age Should My Child First See a Kid-Friendly Dentist?

A kid-friendly dentist should be the first contact that a young child has with dental care. Pediatric dentists help their young patients to grow up without a fear of dentists, a phobia that is common with many adults.

Whether or not a child grows up with this fear depends on the type of childhood experiences they have at the dentist’s. That is why parents should take the time to find a dentist that specializes in treating children. Children’s dentists are trained to ensure that their patients have an overall good experience as they receive treatment.

It makes sense to get your child to a dentist as early as possible, so that they consider dental visits as mundane tasks, like a play date or a trip to the grocery store.

A child’s first visit to a kid-friendly dentist: When is the right time?

Although the pediatrician will examine a baby’s mouth during a routine visit, they will be unable to perform the kind of oral exam that a kids' dentist would. A good and caring pediatrician will advise parents to visit a kid-friendly dentist before their child turns one.

Dentists give even more specific advice. They advise parents to take their child to a kid-friendly dentist six months after the first tooth erupts, or when the child turns one, whichever happens first.

Many parents wonder why they need to take their child to the dentist since their child is virtually toothless. In reality, there are many reasons why they should.

How a kid-friendly dentist builds a healthy attitude about dentists

A young child should visit a welcoming dental practice so that they can get used to the environment and the idea of the dentist’s office. Those first few visits are more about building confidence than anything else.

During a child’s first dental visit, a kid-friendly dentist will take one of two approaches. The first approach is to let the child get comfortable in the treatment area and explore the space. This is a great way to remove the possibility of the child associating the dentist’s chair with fear. During this visit, the dentist may or may not examine the child’s mouth, depending on the child’s temperament and mood.

The second approach is for the kid-friendly dentist to perform a dental exam while the parent holds their child. The parent’s role is to calm the child so that the dentist can perform the examination.

This kills two birds with one stone. The exam allows the dentist to spot potential problems in their earliest stages. Also, because that first dental exam is painless, the child will be more comfortable and co-operative during subsequent dental visits.

Let a kid-friendly dentist make a good first impression with your child

Our formative years inform how we approach our dental health. The same goes for our children. Help them get started the right way, with a kid-friendly dentist.

Our practice has a pediatric dentist that is great with children, so call us to schedule a meeting with our kids' dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

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