What Happens at a Child’s First Visit to a Kid Friendly Dentist in Rohnert Park?

The age a child should see a kid-friendly dentist in Rohnert Park

Children should start going to the dentist younger than you may think. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends seeing a dentist within six months of the first tooth breaking through the gums, but no later than age 1. This may seem young, but it allows the dentist to check on any early issues with that first tooth, the gums or any other aspect of a baby’s mouth. The parents are taught the best way to take care of the teeth and gums at this early age.

Skipping the baby dental appointment

While not ideal, things come up and taking the baby to a dentist may not make the to-do list, or a parent may not have known about this early appointment. If this occurs, it is not a problem. Take the child to the dentist as soon as possible, even if that child is already in elementary school or close to it. At this age, however, a child may fear the chair, the unfamiliar equipment and strange noise at a dental office. Therefore, it is essential to know what will happen to keep kids calm.

X-rays

One of the first things a dentist usually does is take X-rays of the child’s mouth. This affords a glimpse into what is happening beneath the surface and under the gums. Any issues with the tooth development may also be spotted at this time using an X-ray, but not necessarily so. An X-ray also gives the dentist something to refer to in later visits.

Cleaning

A professional cleaning is usually part of a routine dental exam. There are many different instruments used for cleaning a child’s teeth, and it might seem overwhelming. However, a kid-friendly dentist in Rohnert Park is used to dealing with how kids may react, and the staff is typically trained as well. The hygienist will likely show the instruments to the child and demonstrate them outside the mouth before attempting to start the cleaning.

Exam

The dentist will examine the child’s mouth, count teeth and look for any issues. The X-ray helps with diagnosing problems, but a physical exam may confirm it. The dentist will then point out any issues to the parent and talk about treatment options or what comes next. If no problems require treatment, another routine appointment is typically booked for six months later. The American Dental Association recommends adults and children both attend exams twice a year.

Conclusion

A kid-friendly dentist in Rohnert Park can help keep a child’s mouth healthy. Establishing with one sooner rather than later is preferred, and knowing what happens at these appointments is helpful to child and parent alike.

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Call our Rohnert Park Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.