Your child's first dental visit sets the tone for their dental visits for the rest of their lives. If the visit feels safe and not scary, kids are more likely to grow up and not fear going to a dentist. Dr Tim Wachuta of Gentle Smiles of Colorado understands how impactful this very first visit can be and wants your child's experience to be positive.
One Scary Event This Early in Childhood Could Prevent Dental Care for Life
Kids can be easily traumatized by scary or uncomfortable events. That holds true for their first dental visit. If the dentist is mean, aggressive, unpleasant, or performs an exam that causes oral pain, a little one doesn't ever want to go back to a dentist again. The dentist must be kind, gentle, patient, and willing to explain every step of the exam process to a young patient. If you need a Denver cosmetic dentist like Dr. Tim Wachuta, you get someone who really understands kids and cares about them enough to be that gentle.
Start Dental Care Early
It's important to start dental care early. Most pediatricians recommend wiping your newborn's gums gently with a warm wet cloth after nursing. When teeth start to erupt, a toothbrush with soft bristles comes next.
Where dental visits are concerned, dentists see patients as young as two years old. When kids are introduced to dentists, they become less afraid of sitting in a big chair and letting someone look inside their mouths. Reducing the fear and anxiety right away allows these kids to grow up with healthier mouths and a willingness to see a dentist twice a year.
The X-rays from the First Visit Help Prevent Other Dental Issues
One of the things a dentist may do for little patients is take an x-ray. The x-ray looks at the teeth that haven't erupted yet, as well as the "seed teeth" for adult teeth. The dentist can tell at this very early stage whether or not your child will have dental problems that need orthodontia and a skilled Denver cosmetic dentist.
The X-rays help find cavities too. As a general rule, toddlers should not have cavities yet. If cavities are spotted in the x-rays, the dentist will instruct you how to care for the teeth going forward.
Visit Dr Tim Wachuta with Your Child If You Live in the Denver, CO Area
If you have a toddler or preschooler who hasn't seen a dentist yet, now is the time. Schedule an appointment at Gentle Smiles of Colorado.