Kids Teeth, Teeth children, baby teeth

That first visit to the dentist…

Not everyone looks forward to going to the dentist – least of all kids. At Gentle Dental Care we have many years of experience dealing with children. We want their first experience to be as pleasant as possible so we have created a treatment room adorned in butterflies to keep the little ones distracted and settled.

Early experiences with the dentist can set the pattern for responses throughout childhood so we want to do everything we can to make it right – for you and your child.

Here are some tips on managing your child's visits to the dentist.

When should my child first see a dentist, and why?

The sooner the better. Problems such as such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking are best diagnosed early so your dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care.

Well cared for baby teeth are critically important for future dental health. We recommend kids have their first visit to the dentist at around 12 months

What happens on the first visit?

The first session is as brief as possible – usually between 15–30 minutes and it should be as non-threatening as possible. It's an opportunity for your child to get comfortable with their Gentle Dental Care dentist and the environment.

Rescheduling may be necessary where your child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative.

Depending on age, the visit may include a gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and identify any problem areas. We will also assess the need for fluoride and give you tips on proper home cleaning.

Sometimes the teeth may need a gentle clean and polish to remove any plaque, tartar build-up, stains and on occasions an X-ray may be required.

Schedule the appointment early in the day so your child is alert and fresh. For kids under 2 it's OK to hold your child during the examination, but on occasions it is better that the dentist builds a relationship with your child while you wait in reception.

We go out of our way to make our practice a relaxed and non-threatening environment and all the Gentle Dental Care dentists are experienced dealing with children. Take the opportunity to ask questions.

Preparing for the visit?

Ask your Gentle Dental Care dentist about the procedures before the appointment so there are no surprises. Plan how you might deal with the range of responses your child may exhibit. Getting your child excited about showing off their new teeth can build enthusiasm. Explaining what the dentist will do removes the fear of the unknown.

Be sure to bring any relevant records of your child's medical history.

How frequently should your child visit the dentist?

Like adults, children should see a dentist every six months. Interim visits (every three months) are helpful for very young children because it builds comfort and confidence for future visits.

What next?

Contact one of Gentle Dental Care's staff to chat about how to arrange your child’s first visit.