As a parent, you want your child to have the best oral health possible. So you’re looking to take the best initial steps to set a pattern of wellness to carry him or her into the future. It all starts by paying a visit to your pediatric dentist in Waco, but you’re not sure when to schedule the first appointment. Does your child have to be a certain age? Read on to get the answer, and also discover why it’s so important for your little one to get off to the right start!
When Should You Set the First Appointment?
Some dentist will vary slightly on the age your child should visit for preventive care, but as a general “rule of thumb,” the first appointment should be scheduled after the first teeth start to emerge. This is a critical period because the dentist can spot such issues as hypoplasia or any signs of bacteria growth that could lead to the abnormal development of your child’s teeth.
What Happens at the First Visit?
At your child’s initial visit, you can usually expect X-ray images to be captured so your pediatric dentist can establish an oral health baseline to proceed from. The next step is for the dental hygienist to gently and thoroughly clean your child’s teeth.
Then, after an examination is conducted, the pediatric dentist will sit down with you to discuss any findings and to give you pointers on how to further fortify your child’s oral health.
Other Preventive Measures You Can Take
In addition to your child receiving a thorough cleaning and examination, your pediatric dentist may also suggest the application of dental sealants along with a fluoride treatment. Here is what each process entails:
- Dental Sealants – The dental sealant process involves the application of a protective plastic coating over the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, molars and the other areas that are commonly susceptible to decay.
- Fluoride Treatment – One of the primary benefits of fluoride is that it helps to strengthen the enamel (the hard, outer surface of the teeth), which aids in resisting harmful bacteria growth.
What Can be Done at Home?
In addition to working with your local pediatric dentist, you should be mindful of your child’s sugar intake to prevent any early bacteria growth. This is also the perfect time to introduce an oral hygiene routine, which should include brushing and flossing twice daily.
By taking these steps, you can make your child’s dental visits an even more pleasant experience.
Chart a New Path Today
After your child’s first visit, you should come back every six months so that any developments can be spotted early and addressed. This is also an excellent way to instill a positive habit that will follow your child into adulthood.
To get the process started, reach out today to schedule the first visit with your children’s dentist in Waco, and enjoy the peace-of-mind of knowing your little one is well-protected!
About the Author
Dr. Wendy Winarick earned her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry-Houston. Nearly 20 years later, she is just as passionate about helping each patient enjoy the very best in oral health. Dr. Winarick takes pride in maintaining a family atmosphere inside her practice that makes kids feel at home. She provides preventive care at Dental Station Family Dentistry, and she can be reached for more information through her website.