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When Should Children Start Visiting the Dentist?
It’s recommended that the first dental visit for a child should occur by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of a first tooth appearing. The first visit to a dentist will likely set the tone for future visits, so it’s very important for your child to feel at ease throughout this visit.
What Happens During the First Visit?
Your local dentist in Cranbourne or surrounds will examine your child’s teeth, bite, gums and oral tissues. Early on in life, it’s important that a dentist checks the growth and development of your child’s mouth and jaw to prevent problems later on. The dentist may also gently clean your child’s teeth, giving them a polish and getting rid of plaque, tartar and stains. They may also discuss with you and your child the need for brushing, flossing and using toothpaste with fluoride. All in all, the appointment may last between 30 to 45 minutes.
How Often Thereafter?
It’s recommended that children see their dentist in Lynbrook or surrounds every 6 months. Sometimes, it’s advisable in the early years to even see a dentist every 3 months in order to build familiarity with attending the dentist without fear.
Lead by Example
If your child sees you feeling anxious about the dentist or talking about how much a dental procedure hurts, they may develop a fear of your dentist in Lyndhurst or elsewhere. It is up to you to lead by example. Talk about going to the dentist in positive terms, and always brush and floss your own teeth on a regular basis at home. When your child sees that looking after your teeth is a normal and painless thing to do, they should have a lot more confidence when visiting the dentist.
Need Help with Kids and Teeth?
At Shine Dental Group, we have a lot of experience in introducing kids to oral health practices and the 6 monthly routine of attending the dentist. If you’re unsure of how to bring your child to the dentist for the first time, we can provide further helpful tips to make visiting our dentist in Cranbourne easy. Call us today on (03) 5995 9789.
