A really important part of a child’s development is their teeth and going to the dentist from an early age is important as it gets them off to a good start in life when it comes to tooth care and good oral health. Going to the dentists from a young age is not just about checking the teeth but is also good to help the child get used to being at the dentists and become comfortable with going there.
Having a good relationship with the dentist and consistently going to a good local dentist like this dentist Bournemouth based clinic https://gentledentistry.co.uk/ can help establish a good attitude in a young child when it comes to tooth care.
At around a year old is the age that most dentists would recommend children have their first check-up – if they have had a tooth or even a few teeth appear before this however then you can take them earlier this is just an approximate age. At this age, the dentist will simply check that things are developing as they should be.
In childhood, going for regular check ups is a good thing as it also means that a dentist can spot anything that is likely to become a problem and deal with it before it does.
In these early appointments a dentist will also be able to give advice to parents and the child about brushing techniques, healthy eating for tooth and gum health and what things to look out for in between appointments that could be a problem.
Helping children feel positive about check-ups
Early visits only help if children are willing to go, and dental nerves are common in both children and adults. One of the worst things a parent can do is feed those fears. Focus instead on the benefits, such as a healthy, bright smile and teeth that do not hurt, and help your child understand why looking after their teeth matters.
A small reward after each appointment, such as a trip to the park or the swimming pool, helps children link the dentist with good experiences. It can also be worth choosing a practice that is used to young and nervous patients, with staff trained to put them at ease. Some even offer screens to watch during treatment, which helps take their minds off what is happening.
Set a good example at home as well. Children tend to copy their parents, so brushing and flossing together turns oral hygiene into a shared routine. Seeing you relaxed about your own dental care makes the next appointment feel far less daunting.