Pediatric Dentistry in Silverdale WA covers all the traditional elements children need to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Generally speaking, children’s first dental visits should take place around the time of their first birthday. That being said, getting them accustomed to going to the dentist from the time their first tooth comes in could help prevent a certain amount of emotional trauma later on. Knowing what to expect during that first visit may help make it a little less stressful.
Easing into the Experience
For the most part, dentists don’t usually perform in-depth treatments during a little one’s initial visit. They typically examine the child’s teeth, gums, bite and jawbones to begin developing a customized treatment plan. If needed, a cleaning may be provided as well. Depending on the practice’s protocol, you may be asked to sit in the dentist’s chair with your child, allowed to remain in the room on the sidelines or required to stay in the waiting room during the exam.
General Education
After the exam, the dentist will cover a few basic points of discussion with you. He or she will offer advice on properly caring for the child’s teeth and gums. Nutrition, developmental stages to watch for, tips for breaking thumb-sucking or pacifier habits and other important aspects may also come into play. From there, you’ll be informed of any problems uncovered during the exam and potential courses of action.
Moving Forward
Once this first visit comes to a conclusion, you’ll be invited to schedule appointments for more in-depth treatments to address any concerns found during the initial exam. At the very least, you’ll be asked to book a visit for routine cleaning six months down the road.
Pediatric Dentistry in Silverdale Wa goes a long way toward preventing oral and dental problems and catching any existing issues early before they have a chance to become more serious. Getting your child accustomed to the dentist as early as possible is recommended. Though explaining all these points to a young child may be an exercise in futility, knowing what to expect will equip you to help your child get through the experience more easily.