Has your child gotten their first tooth yet? Our dentists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend your child start seeing the dentist once they get their first tooth and no later than their first birthday. If you have any questions or concerns about dental care for your baby, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
During your child’s first appointment with us, our goal is to introduce them to our office so they feel comfortable receiving pediatric dental care. Continue reading to learn how your child benefits from seeing a dentist.
First Impressions
Our dentists understand that first impressions matter, which is why we focus on building trust during your child’s first appointment. We take the time to introduce your child to our office and team so they can feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. Our goal is to help your child get used to coming to their dentist so they’ll continue taking care of their smile as an adult.
It’s not uncommon for children to be anxious about going to new places or being examined by strangers. A bad first impression can make your child feel unnecessarily anxious every time they have to go to their dentist. Fortunately, our dentists can help your child feel at ease so they won’t mind returning to our office every 6 months.
Baby Teeth
It’s a myth that baby teeth aren’t important to your child’s oral health. Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced, they’re still important for learning how to talk, eating, and saving space for adult teeth. Our dentists can help you develop an oral hygiene routine that’s appropriate for your child’s age.
Oral Hygiene Habits
A dentist is your partner in protecting your child’s oral health. Not only does a dentist treat your child, but they can also identify habits that could hurt your child’s oral health in the long run. For example, always soothing your baby with a bottle can lead to tooth decay. Our dentists are also more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Questions for the Dentist
Whether you’re a new parent or veteran kid wrangler, we understand that you must have questions for your child’s dentist. The first dentist appointment is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your child’s oral health. Our team is always more than happy to help you and your child understand what needs to be done to protect oral health. For example, we may recommend dental sealants to help prevent cavities in back teeth.
Preventive Dentistry
After your child’s first appointment with us, you’ll need to schedule a teeth cleaning and oral examination every 6 months. Not only does this set a good example for your child so they’ll continue going to the dentist as an adult, but it also helps us catch oral health issues before they grow into bigger problems.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for American children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sooner our dentists are able to detect cavities, the less invasive the treatment will be. While a small cavity can be fixed with a filling, a large cavity will need a dental crown.
Dr. Nick Ritzema DDS and Dr. Alexandra Maring DDS are dedicated to helping your child maintain good oral health and thrive. To request an appointment with one of our dentists in Grand Rapids MI, call Complete Health Dentistry at (616) 458-7267.
