You can get a head start on your child’s oral health by making an appointment with your Smile Reef pediatric dental professional as soon as their first tooth emerges which in most cases is before their first birthday. At Smile Reef we believe that one of the most important aspects of patient care is making sure that your child has a great association and experience with our dental practice and staff. Our goal is to ensure that your child will be in the best hands possible to develop a smile that he or she will be proud of.
What Age Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment?
Once your child’s first tooth appears, contact the expert pediatric dentists at Smile Reef to schedule your child’s first dental appointment. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that the first dental visit takes place within six months after the first tooth appears and no later than the child’s first birthday unless advised by your dental professional. Many parents make the mistake of thinking that they need to wait until their child starts school. Begin getting your child comfortable with healthy oral habits as early as possible to help prevent future dental complications. Your first Smile Reef pediatric dental appointment is not just for our dental experts to check your child’s mouth for development and growth, it’s also about making sure that your child is comfortable and at ease.
Tips from the Professional Pediatric Dentists at Smile Reef in Las Vegas, NV:
• Make your first appointment in the morning when your child will be the most rested and cooperative.
• Keep a positive attitude by talking about and emphasizing the positives, remember children can read your emotions so if you are nervous, they will be as well.
• Never use a dental visit to threaten your child.
• Never bribe your child with treats
• Talk to your child about visiting their Smile Reef pediatric dentist, even if they don’t understand, they will be reassured by the sound of your voice.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Pediatric Dental Appointment?
Your Smile Reef dentist will:
• Inspect your child’s month for oral injuries, cavities and other dental issues
• Look for signs of developing tooth decay.
• Clean your child’s teeth and provide you with tips for daily care
• Discuss teething, finger or thumb sucking or pacifier use/habits
• Discuss any treatment plans, treatment needed and schedule your child’s next check-up
Preventing Tooth Decay & Dental Caries
Pacifiers: Infants and young children often suck on their thumbs, fingers or pacifiers. Pacifiers that are dipped in sugar, honey, or sweetened drinks can all lead to early tooth decay. Tooth decay can also be caused when the mother places the infant’s pacifier in her mouth to clean it and unwittingly passes bacteria from her mouth to her infant’s.
Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water sources such as rivers and oceans. Fluoride is often added to community water, and can also be found in toothpaste and mouth wash. Infants and toddlers who do not receive fluoride may be at an increased risk for tooth decay. Fluoride makes the tooth enamel more resistant to decay and also helps to repair enamel that has been weakened. Bottled water does not typically contain fluoride. The experts at Smile Reef recommend contacting your local or state health department to find out if your community water supply contains fluoride. Your Smile Reef pediatric professional will discuss the needs of fluoride with you and may also recommend a fluoride supplement.
Pediatric Dental Care in Las Vegas, Nevada
For more information regarding the dental health of your infant or toddler, contact the experienced pediatric dental professionals at Smile Reef today.
