When it comes to the first dental visit, most parents are confused: Should I only bring my child to the dentist when all his teeth are grown? Should I wait for a dental problem to manifest? Such questions linger in the minds of most new mothers.

According to the American Dental Association, mothers should take their kids to a dentist when the first tooth erupts – and it should be no later than when the child is two years old. The first visit allows the child to be introduced and familiarized with the dentist, his/her instruments, the chair and the environment in the dental clinic. This will help ensure a good impression for the kid and is essential to making them feel comfortable and safe in the clinic. After your kid is comfortable, your dentist can examine his teeth by taking a quick peek.

A dentist will check the gums and jaws of your kid.  This is vital for checking on signs of dental decay or other dental problems. A dentist may also instruct your kid to bite him just to feel the strength of the kid’s teeth.  During the first visit, your dentist will talk to you about maintaining good oral hygiene and ways of taking care of the kid’s teeth.

After the first visit, it is recommended that you bring the kid back to the dentist every six months unless a dental issue arises. Common dental issues include teeth grinding and bad breath. If your kid experience any of these challenges, take him to the dentist.

Your dentist will gradually build on to-do things in your subsequent visits. He may, for example, count your child’s teeth or brush them with a toothpaste gel.

If your child is not so comfortable with the dentist, you should talk to him or hold his hands. In the subsequent visits, the dentist may require you to wait outside to enable the kid to enjoy independence and develop confidence in the dental clinic. Stepping outside also allows your kid an opportunity to know the dentist and nurses better!

Maintaining good oral hygiene and clean breath begins from young, do ensure regular dental appointments and make each appointment a fun and fruitful one!

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