Begin a Lifelong Journey of Smiles with a Strong Foundation
Provide your children with a strong start in developing excellent oral hygiene habits, and track their growth as they blossom into beautiful smiles. We recognize the unique demands and rewards of family dental care, especially when it comes to children. A healthy smile is a vital aspect of childhood, and we’re here to guide them on the path to optimal oral health with personalized care tailored to their specific needs. We love seeing children at our practice and our team is known to be exceptionally great with kids!
Preparing for Your Child's First Dental Visit
Feel free to have a conversation with your child about their upcoming dentist appointment. The primary goal of their first visit is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience while fostering a positive rapport with their dentist. We understand that not knowing what to expect can sometimes lead to nervousness. Here’s an overview of what your child can anticipate during their initial appointment:
Communication and Explanations
We will engage in a conversation with both you and your child, providing clear explanations of our procedures and the reasons behind them. We use child-friendly language and demystify any unfamiliar terms, ensuring your child feels as comfortable and confident as possible. As you’ll soon discover, we’re not as intimidating as it may seem.
Gentle Examination
During the appointment, we will gently assess your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health. Our examination aims to identify any areas of concern or areas that may require extra attention at home. We will offer personalized guidance and make note of these areas for special attention in future appointments.
Education
There’s a possibility that we may ask your child to demonstrate their tooth-brushing technique, allowing us to provide gentle instructions on how they can enhance their oral hygiene routine at home. We welcome any questions you or your child may have about dental health and are here to provide informative answers.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child’s first teeth typically begin to emerge at around 6 months of age. It is advisable for children to have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. If you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, including discomfort or pain, please schedule an appointment promptly. It’s never too late for your child’s inaugural dental visit.
It’s completely normal for children to have dental anxiety. Our friendly team specializes in creating a positive and comfortable environment for kids. We use gentle approaches, distraction techniques, and open communication to help ease any fears and make their visits as stress-free as possible. Your child’s comfort is our priority.
Baby teeth are equally significant as adult teeth. It’s crucial for parents to recognize that baby teeth have more functions than just preserving space for permanent teeth. These teeth can have a lasting impact on a child’s facial appearance, their smile, and their willingness to smile frequently. Children who develop confidence and maintain a joyful smile in their early years often continue these habits. Dental discomfort, even if it’s mild and normalized by children, can negatively affect their eating behaviours, including chewing habits, food preferences, and meal intake.
The duration of the appointment will be determined by the child’s requirements and their level of cooperation during the examination. Typically, a child’s initial appointment at our practice is scheduled for a duration of 30 minutes.
Following the first appointment, it’s advisable for your child to maintain regular dental visits at the same frequency as you do. We suggest a checkup and cleaning every 6 months, unless otherwise directed. However, if your child experiences any tooth or jaw discomfort, frequently rubs or nurses their jaw, or avoids hard or cold foods, we recommend scheduling an appointment sooner for their comfort and well-being.
Gum health is crucial for kids as it plays a significant role in overall oral health. It helps prevent gum disease, ensures comfortable eating and speech development, and contributes to an attractive smile. Teaching children good gum care habits early on sets them on the path to lifelong dental health.
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An Awesome Cleaning at Orchard Family Dentistry!
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