Oral health care is rooted in prevention. It’s a good idea to take your child to a children’s dentist in Edmonton before any problems occur. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), it’s recommended that children begin visiting a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by the time children are 1 year old. In most cases, a dental exam every 6 months will let your child’s dentist catch small problems early when they are the easiest and most comfortable to fix.
How to Prepare Your Child for the First Dental Visit
The less anxiety your child has about seeing a dentist, the better—so here are some helpful tips that you can do at home to help your child feel more relaxed.
- Read picture books about going to the dentist
- Talk positively about your own visits to the dentist
- Play “dentist” together with a stuffed animal or doll
- Schedule the appointment at a time of day your child is usually well-rested and in good spirits
- Explain what will happen at the first visit and regular visits after that
Your child’s first trip to a children’s dentist in Edmonton should be short and uneventful. The unfamiliar sounds, sights, and smells can sometimes be quite unsettling for young children. If your toddler is highly resistant, try using gentle encouragement, but don’t force the issue. The goal is to help your child have a positive association with the dentist, so they are less likely to fear going to the dentist.
Never use the dentist as a threat with warnings like, “If you don’t brush, the dentist will pull out all your teeth.” This will only develop more fear for the dentist and make it harder for children to visit the dental clinic for appointments. Instead, you should encourage them by letting them pick their own toothbrushes or praise them at the end of every visit.
At our family dentist office in North Edmonton, we focus the first visit around meeting your child, addressing any of your concerns, and simply helping your child become familiar with the dental office and equipment. Topics the dentist may discuss with you include:
- Good oral hygiene practices for your child’s teeth and gums and cavity prevention
- Fluoride needs
- Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
- Developmental milestones
- Teething
- Proper nutrition
- Schedule of dental checkups
At Northgate Dental, we like to see children every 6 months to help build comfort and confidence in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth and to treat any developing problems promptly.
Do You Need a Family Dentist in North Edmonton?
We are happy to serve you and your entire family. With over 30 years treating families in the Edmonton area, our team is here to help your child begin a lifelong journey of positive oral health. Contact us to book your child’s first dentist appointment in Edmonton today!
