Your child’s first visit
Your child's first regular dental visit should be scheduled just after their third birthday. This first visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you. Here are some tips for your first visit with us:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office
- Read books with them about going to the dentist
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences
During their first visit Dr. Whitney will:
- Examine their mouth, teeth, and gums
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
- Check to see if they need fluoride
- Teach them about cleaning their teeth and gums
- Suggest a schedule for your child's regular dental visits
What about preventative care?
At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Cavity prevention
Most of the time, cavities form because of a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater their chances are of getting cavities. Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
The consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities. While consistent brushing and cleaning appointments will help reduce the risks of cavities, we will also recommend other tips for preventing them, including:
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks with lots of sugar
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Watch what your child drinks
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods
- Make treats part of meals
- Choose nutritious snacks
Call Our Courteous, Caring Staff At Country Club Dental
At Country Club Dental, we can help keep your children's teeth clean at every step of their lives. Call us to learn more and schedule an appointment!
