Franklin 
As a parent, there are so many responsibilities resting on your shoulders. One of them is to monitor the oral health of your child, but is there a way to make this task easier? Your local dentist says one way to shore-up your child’s dental wellness is to take advantage of preventive care visits. As you read on, you’ll discover when the first appointment should be, what to expect to happen and how to prepare your child for it.
Why Preventive Care is So Important
One of the benefits of preventive dentistry is that it allows the dentist to identify any developing issues before they can mushroom into bigger problems. Your child’s teeth will also be thoroughly cleaned, which is very important because children are usually either incapable of performing oral hygiene or inconsistent.
Another benefit of the early visit is that it allows your child to be protected from future decay with dental sealants, a form of dental plastic that guards against plaque buildup and helps to prevent cavities. If you choose to incorporate this form of preventive dentistry, the dentist will apply the protective coating through a painless procedure.
When to Schedule the First Visit
You should schedule the initial visit after your child’s first teeth erupt and he or she starts eating solid food. That’s because there is a greater chance for bacteria accumulation once there is a shift in the diet.
Here’s what to expect while there:
- Greeting – Before any work is done, your child will be greeted by the happy faces of the staff at your local dentist’s office. This is important because it helps to make your little one feel more comfortable with the new environment.
- Cleaning – If your child is a toddler, the dentist will consider whether a cleaning is needed upon making an initial observation of his or her teeth.
- Examination – The dentist will gently examine your child’s teeth to assess the current condition and make sure that his or her primary digits are developing like they should.
- Recommendations – One of the other great benefits of this early visit is that your dentist will give pointers on how to perform oral hygiene better. This ensures that your child will get off to the right dental health start.
Preparing for the First Visit
It’s best to bring your child for the first visit in the morning because he or she will have more energy and will be more attentive. It also helps to feed your child prior to the visit, to explain what will happen and to reassure him or her that you’ll be there throughout the entire process.
Bringing your child in for an early visit is an opportunity to set the pace for excellent oral health for the rest of his or her life. So reach out to your dentist in Tyler today to schedule your first appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts earned her dental degree from Howard University and has since served the Tyler community with expert and compassionate care. She helps young patients get off to the right start with their oral health at Franklin Dental Center, and she can be reached for more information through her website.