As soon as your child's first tooth appears, it's important to take them to the dentist every six months. Our dentists located in Hampton suggest what you can expect during your child's initial dental cleaning.
Your child will start seeing the dentist at around age one, but their first cleaning will probably happen when they're a bit older, once most of their baby teeth have come in. This usually happens between 12 and 36 months of age.
It's important to get this cleaning done during the toddler years so the dentist can catch and remove any plaque and tartar buildup before it becomes a bigger issue.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Dental Cleaning
Before your child's first dental cleaning, it's important to talk to them about what will happen.
Explain the importance of keeping teeth healthy and what the dentist will do using words your child can understand.
Try to avoid using scary words that could make your child anxious.
It's also important to stay positive and not let your own fears show, as children look to their parents for guidance in new experiences.
During the Appointment
We want to provide the best care for your child, so we encourage you to talk to us beforehand about their personality and any concerns you may have. This will help us meet their individual needs during their appointment.
During the appointment, we will check your child's teeth, gums, jaws, and bite to make sure they are healthy. We will also use special tools to remove plaque and tartar, just like we do with grown-ups.
We will give tips on how to brush and floss correctly, whether your child does it themselves or you help them. Don't hesitate to ask any questions about your child's oral health or upcoming treatments.
After the exam and cleaning, we will schedule any follow-up visits needed. If necessary, we can even schedule the next cleaning and checkup session earlier.