4 Ways To Ensure That Your Child’s First Dental Checkup Is Successful

It can sometimes be difficult for kids to sit still and cooperate at the dentist’s office. We completely understand this, as we’ve found it can often be difficult for adults as well! Some of this may have to do with having a lively, active little one, and other times it can be due to fear of the dentist. However, even if it’s difficult, it’s very important for your children to see and become comfortable with Dr. Preston Polson, not only for the health of their baby teeth, but to establish good oral health habits for the rest of their lives.

Below are 4 great tips we’ve put together for you to help your kids learn to love caring for their teeth and to make their dental checkups as easy as possible:

1. Timing Is Everything – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recommended that your child visit the dentist either by the eruption of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. Baby teeth are much more vulnerable and prone to cavities and decay than adult teeth, so it’s crucial to catch any potential problems early on. However, if you have an older child who has never seen them in, please make an appointment today – better late than never!
2. Talk About It – The earlier you introduce your kids to oral health, the better! There are tons of books, songs, and even smart phone apps all aimed at teaching your child about their teeth and how to care for them. Talk about your teeth and let your child watch your own oral hygiene habits. The more comfortable they are with their teeth and the concept of the dentist, the better their first dental appointment will go.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice – Brushing is such an important part of any daily hygiene routine. Begin brushing your child’s gums even before their tiny little teeth erupt. The more comfortable your child becomes with a toothbrush in their mouth, the less of a chore it’ll be to get them to brush as they get older. Let your child brush their own teeth (with your supervision, of course), to let them get the hang of the motions and techniques. Until they’re old enough, you’ll still need to follow their practice brush up with a more thorough one.
4. Set A Good Example – Kids are very perceptive and watch the adults in their lives very closely. If you approach oral health and the dentist’s office in a calm, relaxed manner, this will rub off on your child. This means that if you suffer from a fear of the dentist, you need to get this fear in check before your child begins to emulate it! Talk about the dentist in a positive way and spend some time reading books or watching shows about your child’s favorite characters that also visited the dentist.

We can’t wait to take care of your family’s teeth! To make an appointment for your child’s first dental checkup and cleaning, please contact Meadows Family Dental, located in beautiful Castle Rock, CO!