The Canadian Dental Association recommends all children visit a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by one year of age, whichever is sooner. That may seem premature to some, but the idea is to introduce them to the dental office before there is a problem with their teeth.
There is a common misconception that baby teeth are not important, because they will eventually fall out. That topic is a whole blog post in itself, but I will say that is entirely untrue. Visiting the dentist from a young age will familiarize children with the many sights and sounds of the office, teach them (and parents) how best to keep teeth healthy, and identify any small issues before they become big ones.
It is normal to feel worried or anxious about your child’s first visit to the dentist. However, here at Crestmont Dental, we LOVE working with children, and are very experienced at helping them feel as comfortable as possible. If you have your own anxieties about the dentist, be careful not to relay those on to your child. Parents should do their best to refrain from using scary words, like “hurt”, “needle”, or “drill”, and our team will make sure to do the same. Our dental staff can explain treatment procedures in a way that ensures the experience feels as positive and pleasant as possible.
Parents are more than welcome to accompany their child to their first visit. It is a great time to ask questions and see how we interact with your child. For ages four and over, we encourage children to come to the dental operatory alone. Studies show that children of that age react more positively when allowed to experience the visit independently. Of course, the needs of every child may vary, and we are happy to adjust our practices to ensure a smooth appointment.
We look forward to introducing your child to the world of dentistry.
Happy smiling :)
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