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With all the other responsibilities of new parenthood, you might not think about taking your young child to a family dentist. However, baby teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they erupt. The guide below looks closer at how to handle oral care milestones for your kids.

When Should Children First Go to a Family Dentist?

There are many lifestyle factors that affect a child’s oral health, such as diet, pacifier use and thumb sucking, and oral care. If you notice something unusual in your child’s mouth, always bring them to a family dentist right away. Otherwise, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) suggests having their first dental visit around their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts, whichever is sooner.

family dentistPrimary teeth only last five to eight years. However, they guide the development and eruption of permanent teeth and are essential to proper eating and speech development. Kids should also learn how to take care of these teeth in anticipation of caring for their adult teeth one day.

What Will Happen During a Child’s First Visit?

Having a pleasant experience reduces resistance and anxiety for children in future appointments. Schedule your meeting early in the morning or after a nap so your child will be well-rested.

Arrive with plenty of time for them to explore and get familiar with the office environment. Take time to point to and talk about different objects in the office, and let them hold safe instruments like mirrors, toothbrushes, or suction tips.

Your family dentist will inspect their gums, teeth, mouth, and throat for problems. They will look for signs of decay or trauma, infections like thrush or Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, or physiological abnormalities.

You’ll review your child’s health history, including reflux and feeding history, and discuss your water’s fluoride levels to determine if your child would benefit from a daily oral supplement.

Your child will sit on your lap and open their mouth for the dentist, so demonstrate and practice this at home regularly, especially as you brush their teeth together each day.

 

Your child will feel right at home with Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. The easygoing staff loves taking care of kids and finding creative ways to keep them comfortable in their kid-friendly office. They put patients first and will take the time to review all your treatment options so you can make confident, informed decisions about your family’s oral health. Call (402) 483-7000 to schedule an appointment. Review new patient information online.
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