Local Dental Office Worcester: Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Local Dental Office Worcester

Local Dental Office Worcester|When visiting their local dental office Worcester patients often bring their children for their appointment, and sometimes this is their child’s first visit to a dentist. It is recommended that children visit the dentist for the first time by the time they are one year old, or within six months after the emergence of their first tooth.

What happens at a child’s first dental visit?

In most cases, a child’s first dental visit is quite short, involving very little treatment. The main purpose of this initial appointment is to help create a comfort level so that your child feels safe and secure within a friendly family environment.

You may be asked to sit in the dental chair and hold your child while they are being examined. Or you may wait in the waiting room so that your child can develop a bond with their dental team.

During this initial visit, your dentist will be checking all of your child’s teeth for signs of tooth decay, as well as examining their bite, and checking for any possible problems with their mouth, teeth, and gums. If necessary, your child’s teeth will be cleaned and assessed for fluoride needs.

Another important aspect of your child’s first visit is receiving some education about dental care basics, as well as going over dental developmental issues. This is also a great opportunity for you to share any concerns or ask any questions that you may have. From your local dental office in Worcester.

Topics that may be discussed during your child’s first dental appointment are:

• Proper oral hygiene practices
• Prevention of cavities
• Fluoride needs
• Oral habits like thumb sucking
• Teething and developmental milestones
• Proper nutrition

Another important aspect of an initial dental visit is scheduling dental checkups at your local dental office in Worcester. Dentists typically like to have children visit every six months so that they can become more comfortable in this unfamiliar environment. Your child’s teeth development can also be monitored. Any developing problems can be detected so that early intervention is possible.

Pediatric Dentist vs. Regular Dentist

A pediatric dentist is one who has had additional training beyond dental school. These two additional years focus on managing and treating a child’s developing teeth, as well as focusing on childhood behavior, growth, and development.

Pediatric dentists and their staff are also trained to put your children at ease. Any special needs of your child will also be taken into consideration.

When should a child get their first x-ray?

There really is no standard when it comes to getting x-rays for the first time. If a child is at higher risk for developing dental problems, they may have x-rays taken earlier than they might have otherwise. By the time they have reached the age of five or six, most children will have had x-rays taken.

The Bottom Line

If you are ready to schedule your child’s first dental visit at your local dental office in Worcester, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us today to schedule their first appointment or to take part in a consultation.