Congratulations dear parents, for taking this important first step to your child’s dental health!

Breathe, we got you!

Here, we will prepare you on this exciting journey with us! Let’s break it down in 3;

1. Before Dental Visit
2. During Dental Visit
3. After Dental Visit

Before Dental Visit

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit to be as early as when the first baby tooth erupted or the child’s first birthday. The goal is to instill good oral habits and caries-free mouth, hence eliminating the need for invasive dental treatment for children in near future.

Tips in preparing your child for their first dental visit at home:

1. Talk about it: Explain to your child what to expect during their dental visit in a positive and age-appropriate manner. Use words like; counting teeth for dental check-up, catching naughty bugs for dental fillings, washing/shower the teeth for dental scaling.
2. DO NOT use negative or scary words like PAIN, PULL OUT TEETH, INJECTION to your child. A child will then associate dental visits as a scary, painful and unpleasant experience.
3. Use books or videos: Reading books or watching videos about visiting the dentist can help familiarize your child with the process and make them feel more comfortable.
4. Role-play: Pretend play can be a great way to prepare your child for their dental visit. This can help your child become more familiar with what will happen during their actual visit.
5. Practice good oral hygiene: Encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth regularly leading up to their dental appointment. 

By taking these steps to prepare your child for their first dental visit at home, you can help set them up for a positive experience and lay the foundation for good dental habits that will last a lifetime.

During Dental Visit

Welcome! Our staff and I are delighted to meet you!

The first dental visit for your child is an important step in establishing good oral hygiene habits and ensuring their dental health. Here’s what you can generally expect during their first dental appointment:

1. Introduction: The dental staff will introduce themselves to your child and make them feel comfortable in the dental office environment.
2. Medical History: You will be asked to provide your child’s medical history and any relevant information about their dental health.
3. Examination: The dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to assess their oral health. This may involve using a small mirror and other tools to check for any signs of decay, abnormalities, or issues with the bite.
4. Cleaning: Depending on your child’s age and oral health status, the dentist may perform a gentle cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
5. X-rays (if necessary): In some cases, the dentist may recommend taking X-rays of your child’s teeth to detect any hidden dental problems, such as cavities between the teeth.
6. Education: The dentist or dental hygienist will provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your child’s age. They may also discuss the importance of a healthy diet for maintaining good dental health.
7. Fluoride treatment (if necessary): Depending on your child’s risk of tooth decay, the dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen their tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
8. Developmental assessment: The dentist will evaluate your child’s dental development, including the eruption pattern of their teeth and the alignment of their bite. This assessment can help identify any potential orthodontic issues early on.

Discussion and recommendations: The dentist will discuss their findings with you and answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health. They may also provide recommendations for follow-up care or additional treatments if needed.

Overall, the goal of the first dental visit is to establish a positive relationship between your child and the dentist, identify any potential dental problems early on, and provide education and guidance to promote good oral health habits for life.

After Dental Visit

Your child needs your help more than ever now in ensuring healthy teeth. Make sure to stay consistent with the brushing habits for yourself and children. Children will learn through modelling their parent’s behaviour. 

Consistently, 

• Brush 2 times daily; morning and night time
• Brush for 2 minutes
• No more eating/ drinking (except plain water) after brushing at night
• Routine dental check every 6 months

Regular dental check ups are the key to keeping your child’s teeth monitored, strong, healthy and well aligned. This helps with speech development, overall health and child’s self confidence