When Should I First Bring My Child to the Dentist?
Your child’s dental health journey should start once they turn a year old, but if you notice baby teeth coming in and have questions about proper care and protection, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment sooner.
Also, be on the lookout for factors that can impact their dental health. If any of these are relevant to your child, our team can talk to you about ways we can help.
- Thumb sucking
- Sleeping with a bottle
- Stained teeth
- Down Syndrome
We provide a warm, welcoming and energetic environment to help every patient and family feel relaxed and safe inside our doors. Our team is specially trained in pediatric dental care and we love seeing our youngest patients smile.
What Happens During My Child’s First Dental Appointment?
Your child’s first appointment is specifically designed to help them get used to going to the dentist and feeling comfortable in our chair. Our main goal is to get your child used to coming in and help them develop strong dental hygiene habits, both at home and at the dentist.
Our hygienists are very gentle and give your child time to ask questions and let us know if they feel uncomfortable or uncertain about what we are doing. We’ll explain each step of the exam in a way your child can understand, and afterward, we’ll do the same while we share our findings.
You are part of this process. We’ll speak with you about what your child’s mouth looks like, discuss their current habits and provide any suggestions, feedback or education you may need as they continue to grow.
How Do I Help My Child Care for Their Teeth?
Before your child is able to care for their own teeth, it is important you help them and set them up for healthy success.
For babies, gently wipe their developing teeth with a moist washcloth.
With supervision, some toddlers are old enough to handle a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste. While fluoride is a helpful and essential mineral for protecting teeth, it shouldn’t be swallowed, so it’s best not to use it until your child understands that toothpaste needs to be spit out.
Finally, a good diet is also important for oral health. Limit the amount of sugar, food colorings and sticky foods and drinks your child consumes. And when they do enjoy sweet treats, teach them to take care of their mouth right after.
Looking for Dentistry for Children in Mansfield?
At Craig C. Callen, D.D.S., L.L.C. & Associates, we love providing dental care for children in Mansfield. Start your child’s dental health journey and call us today for an appointment: [phone number].
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