Many Kids / parents are unsure about their first dental visit, but they don’t have to be. Our Kids Dental facilities are custom-designed to spark excitement about the dentist’s office. It is generally recommended that a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in.
What Happens at the First Dental Visit?
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatments. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. The parent may be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
During the exam, your dentist will check all of your Kid's existing teeth for decay, examine your kid's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.
Topics that you should discuss :
- Good oral hygiene practices for your Kid's teeth and gums and cavity prevention.
- Fluoride needs.
- Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking).
- Developmental milestones.
- Teething.
- Proper nutrition.
- Schedule of dental checkups.
(We recommend a visit every 6 months to build up the kid's comfort and confidence level in visiting Smile Center Clinics in Beirut Lebanon)
What's the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a Regular Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child's developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children's dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child's oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office decor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.