When Should Your Child Start Seeing A Dentist?

pediatric dentist family dentistry medford njBaby teeth are an exciting new stage in your child’s development, allowing them to try a variety of new foods they could not eat previously. Believe it or not, you should already be thinking about scheduling their first visit to the dentist. Although you may be thinking, “Why? She’s only got three teeth”, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see the dentist prior to their first birthday.

These early dental visits allow parents to get information about establishing a proper oral hygiene regimen for their children and also allow the child to begin adjusting to routine dental care. Getting your child comfortable with seeing the dentist can be the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Poorva Parnaik of Dental Creations in Medford, NJ wants to help you find the right practice for your family’s dental needs.

Finding a Family Dentist

To find a good family dentist in your area, check with your doctor, pediatrician or insurance company about providers in your area. You may want to ask friends and family members about their experiences with area providers and see who they recommend. You should be sure to look for a practice that is convenient to you and has hours that work for your schedule. It might be wise to visit several different dental practices before choosing the one where you and your child feel most comfortable. Many dental practices have FAQs on their websites to answer your questions.

Prepare in Advance

New experiences are stressful for young children, especially if they are tired, so it is a good idea to make sure your child is well rested and not hungry when it’s time for the appointment. If you have questions about dental hygiene for young and emerging teeth, it might be helpful to write down a list of questions in advance. This is to make sure you don’t forget what you want to ask while helping your child through the visit.

You will want to know what copays you will be expected to pay and what your child’s dental coverage covers prior to the visit.  This means a call to your insurance company to verify your benefits before the day of your child’s first dentist visit is in order. Most dental offices will request proof of dental and medical insurance at the time of service. Finally, you should bring a list of your child’s current medications and all medical information necessary to complete an initial health history form.

You may want to review how the dental exam will go with an older child to help avoid them being overly nervous at the time of the exam. If your child is still anxious about the appointment, try to ease his or her worries by reading books about trips to the dentist or by watching videos about children going to the dentist to help them imagine what the visit will be like before they go.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

During the first visit, your dentist will normally educate you on the proper care of your childs’ teeth and gums, in addition to pacifier use and proper nutrition to develop healthy teeth. Brushing techniques to assist their young children with their oral care may also be demonstrated. At the end of the appointment, the dentist should also provide you with the opportunity to ask questions.

By establishing a good relationship with a family dentist that you can trust, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible dental care from an early age. Scheduling and keeping routine dental appointments from an early age will help your children to be comfortable with dental care and will help them learn to make their oral health a priority as they grow.

Pediatric Dental Care in Medford, NJ

Whether your child is ready for their very first dental appointment or you’re looking for a new dentist for your family, Dr. Poorva Parnaik of Dental Creations in Medford wants to help you and your family have healthy smiles. Call our office at 609.365.0673 or schedule an appointment online today!