Your Child's First Visit to
Yellow Springs Dental Care
Having your child gain the trust and confidence in Dr. Russell and our staff at an early age can establish a healthy, lifelong routine.
When should your child first see Dr. Russell?
The ideal time is six months after your child's first (primary) teeth erupt.
This occasion is a perfect opportunity for us to carefully examine the development of your child's mouth.
Some dental problems can start early. We feel it is much better to prevent problems than it is to remedy them.
When we see a child early, we can provide or recommend special preventive care to safeguard against problems such as teething irritations, gum disease, prolonged thumb-sucking, and baby bottle tooth decay.
A good rule of thumb is: "First visit by first birthday." Your child should visit a dentist after the first teeth have come in, usually between six and twelve months of age. An early examination by Dr. Russell and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.
How do I prepare my child and myself for the visit?
Our most important goal for the first appointment is that:
#1--there be no surprises.
Helping your child prepare for a Dental Visit
Helping children and adults have healthy teeth for all of their life is our foundational mission.
We at Yellow Springs Dental Care believe that good oral health for children begins with informed parents.And that our helping parents understand this area of their child’s health care is the best way for us to assure their child’s future dental health.
Your Child's
First Dental Visit
Having your child gain the trust and confidence in Dr. Russell and our staff at an early age can establish a healthy, lifelong routine.
Reading a children's book about the first dental visit is helpful. And it is great to "pretend play" a dental visit at home by having the "patient's" head in your lap while you gently brush, clean, and inspect the teeth with a flashlight.
The second most important goal is that:
#2--a caregiver not to communicate their own dental anxiety to the child.
Because parents are the center of child’s focus—children are particularly adept at sensing the grownup's caregiver's emotional state -- And children can interpret meanings within meanings.
“We’re going to the dentist tomorrow and it isn’t going to hurt.”
OR
“We’re going to the dentist tomorrow and I’ll take you to the Dairy for an ice cream cone, if you are good.”
These sentences, above, are examples of how to unhelpfully alert the child to the idea of a dental appointment being a problem.
Kids are smart -- and they can read you like a poker player.
Also, it is unnecessary to use scary words like: "needle", "hurt", "shot", or "drill" when discussing the dental visit with your child.
When your child asks questions, it is appropriate to say, "I don't know, but you can ask Dr. Russell."
Plan a course of action in advance for either reaction your child may exhibit – either cooperative or non-cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Don't worry if your child cries a little during the visit, since this is perfectly normal behavior for infants.
"I'm Ready for my Close-Up, Dr. Russell"
Your child is the Star of this production.
And "Stars" don't have to share the spotlight with "supporting characters". Arrange to bring you child without siblings so that the Star will be able to devote full attention to the interesting "stuff" that will be taught during the dental appointment. Of course, parents are always welcome to the treatment area during the appointment, or not, as they wish.
But a Yellow Springs Dental Care dental appointment isn't a group activity:
"One Smile at a Time."
Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring any records of your child's complete medical and dental history with you to the appointment.
Child appointments should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under ages two to three, a parent may need or wish to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination.
The first session often lasts between 15-30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:
- A thorough and gentle examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to assess growth and development and observe any problem areas;
- Perhaps a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up and stains;
- Consideration of the need for fluoride.
- A demonstration of toothbrushing;
Above all: we welcome lots of questions before and after the appointment.
Remember: NO Surprises.
Subjects you may wish to discuss:
- Good oral hygiene practices for your child's teeth and gums and cavity prevention
- Fluoride needs
- Teething Developmental milestones
- Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
- Proper nutrition
FAQ Regaring Fluoride in Infant formula and guidelines from American Dental Association: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/infantsformula_faq.asp
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A special link in reward for having read this far:
Instructions on How to Clean a Stuffed Animal Toy:
http://blog.simplehuman.com/2007/02/how_to_clean_a_.html
