Practising good oral hygiene early can have benefits for your child’s development and will continue to serve them their entire adult lives. Here are some pediatric dentistry facts that every parent should know.
Family Dentistry
Family Dentistry in SE Calgary
Oral health care is important at every age, but when it comes to children, establishing the right lifelong habits is key. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments for your kids. Forest Lawn Dental Centre is a child-friendly dentist in Calgary that can provide dental services for your entire family. Our caring team will make sure your child feels relaxed in our comfortable clinic while providing them with professional and friendly dental care. To book an appointment for yourself or your children, contact us today.
When Should You First Bring Your Child to a Dentist?
Infants should start seeing a dentist within six months of their first tooth emerging but before their first birthday. A family dentist will be able to identify any problems and fix them before they become a major issue. What’s more, they can teach you the most effective techniques for keeping your little one’s teeth clean.
After the initial visit, you should bring your child to the dentist every six months. This way, they can benefit from regular cleanings as well as fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities. In addition, they’ll learn that visiting the dentist is a key a part of having healthy teeth.
How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Appointment
It’s a good idea to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist at a time when you won’t be rushed. This will allow you to remain relaxed, even if the checkup takes longer than expected. In addition, you should choose an appointment time when your child is most likely to be happy and alert.
We also recommend that you:
- Tell your child about the appointment in advance and talk to them about what will happen
- Read or watch child-friendly books or TV shows about going to the dentist
- Speak positively about going to the dentist
- Practice “playing dentist” on one of your child’s stuffed animals or dolls
We want Forest Lawn Dental Centre to be a comfortable place for children. That’s why our entire staff is dedicated to making kids feel welcome, safe and at ease during every appointment.
What You Can Expect During the First Visit
At their first appointment, our staff will introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of our dental office. This introduction is intended to help your child remain relaxed during their visit and hopefully minimize or eliminate any of their fears about the dentist.
During your child’s appointment the dentist will:
- Check all of their existing and emerging teeth
- Examine their bite and inspect their gums
- Gently clean and polish their teeth
- Assess the need for fluoride and apply it if necessary
- Teach you about effective brushing and flossing techniques
A child’s first visit to the dentist usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, if the dentist suspects there may be an issue, X-rays might be recommended, and the appointment could consequently take a bit longer.
What If There’s an Emergency?
Childhood is a time of adventure with sports and other activities that can be physical and at times overly rambunctious. If your child chips or knocks out a tooth, don’t panic. Accidents can happen, and we’re here to help when they do. Forest Lawn Dental Centre provides emergency services for patients of all ages. If you have a dental emergency, immediately call 403-248-7778 to set up an appointment.
Read more about children's dentistry in SE Calgary in our related blog posts below.
A Child-Friendly Dentist for the Entire Family - Welcoming New Patients!
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we provide a comprehensive range of dental services for your whole family. However, we take particular pride in offering outstanding care to our youngest patients. We know how important it is to form good oral health habits early on, and we strive to ensure that every kid who visits us knows how to properly care for their teeth. To set up an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us today.
