When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Visit to a Michigan City Dental Practice?
- Posted on April 9, 2018
New parents often ask us when their child should make that first visit to a Michigan City Dental Practice. The short answer is the First visit by first birthday. That’s the view of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and pediatricians agree.
The idea of such early dental visits is still surprising to many new parents. However, national studies have shown that preschool-aged children are getting more cavities. More than 1 in 4 children in the United States has had at least one cavity by the age of 4, with many getting them as early as age 2.
But cavities aren’t all that parents need to learn about their child’s dental health. The first visit to their Michigan City dental practice provides parents with an opportunity to discuss:
- How to care for an infant’s or toddler’s mouth;
- Proper use of fluoride;
- Oral habits, including finger and thumb, sucking;
- Ways to prevent accidents that could damage the face and teeth;
- Teething and milestones of development;
- The link between diet and oral health.
After this first visit, the dentist will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. In the past, dentists typically called for visits every six months. Now, the schedule may vary according to each child’s needs and risks.
Preparing for the Age-1 Visit to a Michigan City Dental Practice
It’s important to find a dentist you trust and an office where you feel comfortable. At this first visit, you will get your questions answered and start to build a relationship.
The best way to prepare for this visit is to consider what you want to know, what you want to look for and what you should expect. Look for an office that is:
- Child and parent-friendly;
- Knowledgeable about young children’s oral health, growth and development;
- Responsive to you;
- Gentle and kind toward your child even if your child creates a fuss when the dentist or hygienist looks in your child’s mouth;
- Focused on your child’s specific needs;
- Specific about advice on how to care for your child’s mouth and teeth.
To save time and make the first visit easier, ask your Michigan City dental practice to email you all the forms you will need to fill out. The forms may offer the chance to list questions or concerns that you want to discuss during the visit. Call us today to schedule your next appointment so we can get your forms to you prior to your visit.
Charlotte Arellano is a multi-talented author, editor and entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida. With a passion for writing, She has been published in multiple magazines and online outlets, such as The Huffington Post, The Miami Herald and Entrepreneur Magazine. Her writing topics range from business, lifestyle, travel and health.
New parents often ask us when their child should make that first visit to a Michigan City Dental Practice. The short answer is the First visit by first birthday. That’s the view of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and pediatricians agree. The idea of such early dental visits is still surprising to many new…