Don’t Make These 3 Mistakes When Taking Your Child to Their First Dentist Appointment
Oral health should be a priority at any age, but considering the fact that more than 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten, it’s essential for children to learn proper dental care habits while they’re young. This also includes making frequent visits to your dentist for kids for cleanings and checkups. Unfortunately, some parents make mistakes during this process that can hinder their children’s overall oral health in the long run. Here are just a few mistakes to avoid when taking your child to their first dental appointment.
Waiting too long to take your child to their first dental appointment.
Some parents don’t think dental care becomes important until their child is a toddler, but that isn’t the case. About 42% of children aged two to 11 have had caries in their primary teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. And considering the fact that tooth decay is 20 times more common than diabetes and five times more common than childhood asthma, most experts agree that it’s best for your child to see a dentist before they’ve reached one year of age. Waiting too long will only increase the likelihood that your child will develop oral health issues later on in life.
Not finding the right dentist for kids.
While family dentistry is often ideal for those in need of dental care at all ages, it helps to make sure your dentist has sufficient experience working with children. Children, especially young children, can be easily unnerved if their dentist doesn’t have a comforting presence. It helps to look at reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Not bringing along a toy or stuffed animal for comfort.
Finally, any pediatric or family dental care professional will tell you that it really helps to bring along a toy or stuffed animal for your child to play with, both in the waiting room and in the dentist chair. Some children can grow fussy if they don’t have anything to distract them during their exam and cleaning.
Ultimately, children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school as a result of dental pain. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure your child will develop healthy dental habits since their very first appointment.