The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that the first dental visit should occur within 6 months after the baby's first tooth appears, but no later than the child's first birthday. It's best to meet the dentist when your child isn't having any dental problems -- don't wait until an emergency comes up!!
If your child is an infant, the Dentists should examine your child in the knee-to-knee position. You and the dentist will sit on chairs facing each other. Your child sits on your lap, facing you. You then lay your child back with his or her head in the dentist's lap. In this position, both you and the dentist can see clearly into your child's mouth and your child can look up at you.
During the examination, depending on the age of your child, the dentist will check all of their existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues.The dentist or hygienist may also clean your child's teeth. This is likely to occur if your child's teeth have a stain that commonly appears in infants. The dentist or hygienist also may apply fluoride, particularly if you child has a higher than average risk of developing cavities.
(Pictured above: Dr. Carissa Bruening performing a lap examination
on a 9 month old baby at our office in Chesterfield, Missouri.)
Tips for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles for your Child:
- Find a dentist that you trust and an office where you feel comfortable. You should be able to consider this your "dental home".
- Stay positive! Please keep it to yourself if you still have any anxiety about dental visits.
- Never bribe your child to go to the dentist or use the dentist as a punishment or threat!
- Although bribing isn't a good idea, try to make your child's dental visit an enjoyable outing. Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits will lead to a lifetime of good dental health.
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Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening
are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.
