When is the first time you should bring your child to a Kids dentist in Parkland or Coral Springs, FL? According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines, infants should initially visit the pediatric dentist around the time of their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts.  First visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who find that they have dental phobias themselves.

It is essential for parents to continually communicate positive messages about dental visits (especially the first one), and to help the child feel as happy as possible about visiting the dentist.

How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?

At Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida we aim to make your child feel as welcome as possible during all visits.

There are several things parents can do to make the first visit enjoyable. Take a look at some helpful tips listed below:

  • Come prepared to ask your Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula, any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your child’s oral health.

  • Provide positive explanations – It is important to explain the purposes of the dental visit in a positive way.  Explaining that the dentist “helps keep teeth healthy” is far better than explaining that the dentist “is checking for a cavity and might have to drill if a cavity is found.”

  • Give your child a listening ear.  Encourage him or her to visit the dentist and share their worries. Let your child know the benefits of having a dental exam.

  • Avoid negative language – Pediatric dentists and staff are trained to avoid the use of negative words like “drills”, “injections”, “bleeding”, “shot”, and “pain”.  It is imperative for parents to use positive language when speaking about dental treatment with their child.

  • Explain what will happen – Anxiety can be greatly reduced if the child knows what to expect.  Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can be very helpful in making the first visit seem fun. Here are some parent and dentist-approved books to read with your child: The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist– by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Part of the “Dora the Explorer” Series, Going to the Dentist – by Anne Civardi, Elmo Visits the Dentist – Part of the “Sesame Street” Series.

What will happen during my child’s first dental visit?

There are several goals for your child’s first dental visit at Mighty Children’s Dentistry, Parkland, Florida.  First, your pediatric dentist, Dr. Aurelio A. Bula and your child will get properly acquainted.  Second, Dr. Bula will monitor tooth and jaw development to get an idea of your child’s overall health history.  Third, he will evaluate the health of the existing teeth and gums.  Finally, Dr. Bula will answer questions and advise parents on how to implement a good oral care regimen.

The following sequence of events is typical of an initial “well baby checkup”:

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  • Dental staff will greet the child and parents.

  • The child/family health history will be reviewed (this may include questionnaires).

  • The Pediatric Dentist will address parental questions and concerns.

  • Parents are counseled on the child’s oral habits, pacifier use, general development, tooth alignment, tooth development, and diet.

  • The Pediatric Dentist will provide advice on good oral care, how to prevent oral injury, fluoride intake, and sippy cup use.

  • Good brushing and flossing demonstrations will be provided.

  • The state of the child’s oral health will be described in detail, and specific recommendations will be made.  Recommendations usually relate to oral habits, the use of appropriate toothpastes and toothbrushes for the child, oral hygiene, fluoride supplementation, diet, and injury prevention.

  • The dentist will detail which teeth may appear in the following months.

  • The dentist will outline an appointment schedule and describe what will happen during the next appointment.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office.

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