Although children don’t typically see their dentist until their first birthday (or 6 months after the first tooth erupts), taking care of their oral hygiene begins at birth. Both, Dr. Calcagno and Dr. Heimer, see patients of all ages – from babies to seniors. Pediatric dentists have extensive experience with children of all ages, as they undergo additional training and residency. Here at Calcagno Family Dentistry, your dentists always try to make children as comfortable as possible. Even though your child’s first dental appointment may seem intimidating, rest assured – introducing them at a young age often makes for a quicker and more comfortable adjustment period.
The First Appointment: What To Expect
At the first visit (around age 1), there isn’t much treatment necessary, but it’s important that your dentist begin forming a relationship with both you and your child. They’ll get familiar with your child’s family and medical history, show you proper care for their teeth, and lastly – evaluate (and possibly clean) their teeth. After the initial appointment, your dentist will likely recommend biannual appointments – every six months.
Childhood Dental Care
As your child grows and their oral hygiene becomes their own responsibility, it’s critical to keep regular appointments as your dentist helps encourage and educate about proper dental care. Not only can they help to prevent oral infections (like cavities), but they also monitor the growth and development of their teeth to optimize their oral health at all times.
Majority of the time, oral hygiene is taught and practiced at home. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it often leads to poorly executed brushing and flossing – leaving too much bacteria behind. When it comes time for your child to take over and take care of their own teeth, their dentist can help educate them on the importance of oral hygiene. In fact, at every appointment thereafter, they’ll use a special solution to cover all of their teeth – when it’s applied, it shows where excess bacteria is around their mouth, teaching them about the different areas they may miss when toothbrushing.
