When it comes to caring for your child, going to the dentist is just as important as going to the pediatrician. In fact, your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. Unfortunately, most parents don’t take their children to the dentist until age three. Though a visit to the dentist may seem overwhelming, your Rochester, MN pediatric dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, has formulated a few tips to help you and your child survive the first dental visit.
What To Do with Your Child Before the Appointment
New situations can intimidate children, however, if there’s proper preparation beforehand, the visit should happen effortlessly. To make your child more comfortable, Dr. Calcagno recommends following these tips.
- Begin the preparation early. A few weeks before the scheduled appointment, start educating your child on the dentist. The most effect methods include: reading and watching videos. Make sure the videos both stimulate the child and educate them on dental care.
- Make a practice visit. To ensure your child will feel comfortable with the office, call your Rochester, MN pediatric dentist to bring the child in to see the practice. While there, let your child explore the space and acclimate him or herself with the staff by asking questions, if they may.
- Brush their teeth laying down. Your child may not like when the dentist begins to reach over them during the visit. To avoid any discomfort, try brushing their teeth as they lie down. Your child will then understand what the dentist chair is like and will feel ready for the real visit.
- Keep your child distracted. Although prepping before the dentist visit may help your child, plan ahead for instability. By bringing a special toy or blanket, your child can feel more at ease as he or she enters the building.
What Happens During the Appointment?
The first visit is rather short, simple and to the point. The dentist will educate you on proper brushing techniques. Dr. Calcagno will also brush a solution onto your child’s teeth to show which areas may have been missed during brushing. Lastly, the dentist will encourage a healthy diet. Many foods, especially fruit juices, contain acidic qualities, which weakens your enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to erosion and cavities. These steps will allow your little one’s smile to stay healthy and strong.
Calcagno Family Dentistry Treats Your Little Ones
Talk to your Rochester, MN dentist about pediatric dentistry during your next cleaning. She can discuss the process of bringing your infant or toddler to the office for the first time. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (507) 281-3659. Also, visit our website for services, before and after photos, and testimonials. We look forward to treating patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington and surrounding communities.
