If your child is at the age where it is time for their first dental checkup, they may be scared. This is a very normal reaction. There are things you can do to help the appointment go much better for them, two of which are listed below.
Find the Right Dentist
When deciding on the dentist that you want to take your child to, you should choose a pediatric dentist. This type of dentist is trained to work with children. This means they are trained to work on smaller teeth and with their smaller patients.
Once you find some pediatric dentists in your area, visit each of them. This way you can tell how you feel about them. In most cases, there will be toys in the waiting area for the children, as well as books and other items. This will keep the children busy and take their minds off what is going to happen to them.
Ask the employees if there is any way that your child can go inside the room and see the dentist's chair. The dental hygienist may be willing to talk with your child, and the dentist may also if they have the time. This is important as the dental hygienist is likely the first person your child will see.
Information to Give to the Dentist
There is a lot of information to give to the dentist. For example, the dentist will need you to give them a list of all medications your child is taking. This is important because some medications affect teeth. The pediatric dentist will also need to know if your child has any type of medical condition. The dentist may ask for the phone number of your child's pediatrician just in case they need more information about your child.
Let the dentist know if your child has a habit of sucking on a pacifier or their thumb. This is because the sucking action can cause an overbite or underbite to develop as your child gets older. Also tell the pediatric dentist if your child has gone to bed with a bottle that has juice or milk in it. If so, this can cause plaque to build up on your child's teeth.
The pediatric dentist that you choose can give you much more information to help your child feel better about their visit. Give them a call today to make an appointment.