Building a Solid Foundation Is the Key to a Lifetime of Smiles
Help your children develop a strong base for exceptional oral hygiene and monitor their progress as they grow into bright, confident smiles. We understand the distinct joys and challenges of family dental care, particularly with children. Promoting a healthy smile is an essential part of growing up, and we’re here to support their journey with personalised care designed to meet their individual needs.
Getting Ready For Your First Appointment
Consider having an open conversation with your child about their upcoming dental visit. The main objective of this first experience is to ensure it is enjoyable and stress-free while building a positive relationship with the dentist. Feeling uncertain is perfectly normal, so here’s what your child can look forward to during their initial appointment:
Talk and Listen
We’ll have a friendly discussion with you and your child, explaining what we’ll do and why. Your child will also get a chance to see some of the tools we use in the office. Using simple, child-friendly language, we’ll explain everything in a way that helps them feel at ease and confident. See, there’s nothing to be nervous about!
Gently Examine
Your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health will be carefully checked. This gentle assessment will help us identify any areas that might need extra attention, both at home and during future visits. We’ll provide specific advice to help address any issues and ensure a personalised care plan.
Educate
We might ask your child to show us how they brush their teeth so we can guide them on improving their technique. We’re happy to answer any questions you or your child may have about dental care, ensuring that they leave with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain a healthy smile.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The general recommendation is to bring your child to the dentist for their first visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
Absolutely! Children can benefit from professional teeth cleanings. These cleanings are vital for maintaining oral health and can begin once your child has teeth, usually around the age of one.
It’s best for children to start regular dental visits after their initial appointment, which should occur by age one or when their first tooth erupts. From there, dental check-ups should happen every six months, or as advised by your dentist, to ensure their oral health is on track.
- Positive Communication: Speak about the dentist in a cheerful and encouraging way, steering clear of words that might cause worry or fear.
- Role-Playing: Play pretend dentist with your child at home, using a toothbrush to “check” their teeth and demonstrate that visiting the dentist can be a fun experience.
- Books and Videos: Use child-friendly books or videos about dental visits to help familiarize your child with what to expect.
- Visit the Office: If possible, arrange a pre-visit to the dental office so your child can become familiar with the setting. Many offices offer tours or meet-and-greet sessions.
- Explain the Process: Describe what will happen in simple, kid-friendly terms. Let them know the dentist will count their teeth, check for “sugar bugs,” and ensure their smile stays healthy.
- Be a Role Model: Show your child good oral care habits by brushing and flossing together, allowing them to learn by watching you.
- Comfort Items: Bring along a favourite toy or stuffed animal to help your child feel more secure during the visit.
- Praise and Reward: Offer encouraging words and, if appropriate, a small reward to reinforce positive behaviour during the appointment.
- Stay Calm: Your attitude sets the tone. Remaining calm and relaxed will help your child feel more at ease.
- Follow Recommendations: After the visit, adhere to any care instructions or advice provided by the dentist to maintain your child’s oral health.
Taking these steps can help ensure your child feels comfortable and ready for their first dental experience.
Parents should consider booking an earlier dental visit if they observe any of the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the teeth or gums
- Swelling, redness, or irritation around the mouth
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Discoloured teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or loose teeth
- Irregular tooth development
- Extended thumb-sucking habits
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Previous dental injuries
These symptoms could indicate an underlying dental issue that needs immediate attention.
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