There are so many firsts in your child’s life that you want to document and share. Making your child’s first visit to the dentist in Hamden, should be one of those easy milestones.
The first shot your child gets, the first haircut, even the first visit to Santa can be traumatic. The key is to start early so they don’t identify going to the dentist with Steve Martin in “Little Shop of Horrors”.
Prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist in Hamden
Kids, no matter the age, like it when you talk “straight” to them. By the time your child is ready to go to the dentist for the first time they should already have a routine. Brushing after meals and flossing are tools they already have in their tool box. It’s important for them to know the reasons why going to the dentist is an important next step.
There are many books written for kids about going to the dentist, and a lot of cartoons, including Cailou that show kids what to expect.
Kids always like jokes. Sometimes they will pete and repeat them over and over again.
- Pete and Repeat go to the dentist. Pete leaves. Who’s left at the dentist?
- How far is it to the dentist’s office? Six smiles.
- What is a dentist’s favorite type of boat? A tooth ferry.
Getting them to laugh makes that first trip easier.
Prepare yourself for the visit
This visit isn’t just traumatic for your child. It can be stressful for you as well. Especially if you have some dental anxiety yourself.
It’s hard to keep our preconceptions from our children, and since they are sponges, they soak up all of our anxieties as well. Just remember, going to the dentist is a step to your child living a long and happy life, with a beautiful smile and it will give you that boost of confidence you need.
Preparations for the Dentist in Hamden
Make sure your dentist has your child’s complete history and let them know of any personality traits that might make the visit a little more difficult. If your child tends to be stubborn, or fearful, the dentist can take that into account ahead of time, before the visit.
Depending on your child’s age, the dentist may allow you to come into the visit with them, but they may determine that the visit is best without you. It’s not you. It’s to give your child the confidence they need to keep coming back.
The dental visit itself
Try to schedule the appointment in the morning. Kids are more alert and fresh in the morning, less cranky than they would be in the afternoon.
The first visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The dentist will do a full exam, checking your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite to get an index for future visits. If there is plaque, tartar, or stains, the dentist may do a gentle cleaning. Rarely are X-rays done on the first visit.
The dentist will also talk through and demonstrate how to brush their teeth and floss. That’s it. Easy!
Protection
- There are also steps you can take before your baby even gets their first tooth.
- Clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.
- Don’t give children a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.
- Limit the time your child has a bottle.
- Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay like hard or sticky candies, and sweetened drinks and juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean while juice exposes the teeth to sugar.
Give us a call at (203) 248-0011 to make that first easy appointment.