While parents may feel overwhelmed by their many new responsibilities, paying attention to your baby’s oral health from birth onwards is the best way to create good habits. As your child grows, a routine of dental cleanings and oral exams with your Marietta dentist is a proven way to prevent cavities.
When you have a baby, everything is new and life is full of “firsts.” The first giggle, the first smile, the first new food that’s tasted, and even the first little tooth that comes in! In the whirlwind of the newborn stage, the days are long, but the weeks go by fast and it can be hard to keep track of all the milestones being met.
When Should I Start Bringing My Baby to the Dentist?
When you’re debating when is the best time to start bringing your baby to the dentist, a good rule of thumb is to gauge that visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears – whichever comes first!
Our dentists at Shining Smiles in Marietta, GA will be ready to welcome and assist you when that time comes!
What Should I Expect at My Baby’s First Dental Appointment?
By scheduling your baby’s first dentist appointment, you’ll already be ahead of the game! At Shining Smiles, we believe that prevention is always best and by starting your child young, you can begin establishing a rhythm of these important wellness visits.
Regular appointments will help catch any particular issues early before they can result in further dental work. These types of appointments, begun early on in life, will give your child the best foundation for oral and dental health.
Many times, the first dental visit will serve as the stepping stone by allowing your child to become comfortable in an office atmosphere.
Remember – this is all new for your little one! They will be meeting front office staff, sitting in a dental chair for the first time, and beginning their interaction with the dental hygienist and dentist.
We believe we have an important role in building trust between our Shining Smiles team and your baby.
- The dentist will want to do a thorough oral exam and check your child’s mouth to make sure the teeth are growing healthy, take a good look at their gums, and tongue, and see if there is anything that could affect your child’s speech as they continue to develop.
- They will cover a range of tips in order to ensure the oral health of your baby, such as avoiding sugary beverages/foods and not allowing your baby to fall asleep with their bottle.
- “Baby bottle decay” can occur when a baby has had a bottle of milk, formula, or another liquid that has been lingering in their mouth too long, which could lead to decay.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare for the First Dentist Appointment?
Absolutely! Begin by talking with your child about the dentist. Use books and toys to roleplay what it will be like for them when they arrive at the office, what will happen during the procedure, and after.
Any type of practice will help your child for when the time for the appointment comes. Begin by making the connection between brushing their teeth and going to the dentist so they can start understanding the role of each part in their lives.
If they have older siblings, have them assist in preparing your little one. They love to be the ones imparting knowledge!
Find Your Dental Home With Shining Smiles in Marietta, GA!
We consider it our privilege to serve you and your family. We know that your baby’s first appointment can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be! Know that our mission at Shining Smiles is to protect and care for your children and their oral health.
We welcome families to our Marietta dental office and look forward to caring for your child’s teeth – and your own – over the long term. Our range of family, restorative and cosmetic treatments include oral exams, fillings, sealants, gum disease solutions and much more. To reach us, call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment today.
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