At Eastport Dental we can take care of the oral health needs for your whole family (including your children.)
First visits to the dentist can be scary for little ones. But that shouldn’t prevent you from bringing them in for a checkup. Dental exams and cleanings are vital for children, as their oral health at a young age affects their future smile.
Why Are Dental Visits So Important For Children?
While it’s true that baby teeth are just temporary, it’s a common misconception that they aren’t that important. Primary teeth play a vital role in the development of your child’s mouth and face, as well as holding the space for permanent teeth.
If baby teeth are lost too early, there might not be enough room for the permanent tooth to come in once it’s ready. This situation can lead to having a crooked and crowded bite. Furthermore, missing a baby tooth for a long period of time can affect the way the bone and facial structure develops.
Having the right amount of baby teeth (20) helps small children learn to pronounce words correctly and prevent unnecessary speech problems from developing.
Regular dental visits will help us stay on top of your child’s condition. If we see that there are problems developing, we can usually step in and take advantage of their growing mouth to help correct issues before they become too severe.
Tips for Easing Your Child’s Dental Phobia
Now that you know the importance of getting your child to the dentist, you may be wondering how in the world you’re going to get them there. The friendly and professional staff at Eastport Dental understand that the dentist can be a scary place for a small child. When your child is in our care, we will do everything in our power to provide them with a stress-free visit.
Before and during your child’s first dental appointment there are a few things that you can do to help prepare them to have a better experience. Doing so will set them up for a lifelong friendship with their dentist and a commitment to their oral health in the future.
Here are some tips that can help you make the experience better for them.
- Practicing at Home
Prior to your child’s first dental appointment, you can practice with them at home. Practice by showing them how we will “brush” and floss their teeth and they will begin to feel comfortable with the process before they even get to our office.
- Stay Calm for Your Child
In addition to your child being fearful, you yourself might have some apprehensions about them going to the dentist for the first time. While a certain level of anxiety is normal, try to keep your emotions in check because your child will feed off of them. Try to stay calm and positive for the impressionable young patient!
- Using Appropriate Language
Just like some actions can cause fear to strike in a small child, certain words and the tone of your voice will do the same. When speaking about, or at their dental visit try to sound excited and positive. Use encouraging words that will contribute to a pleasant experience.
- If Possible, Bring a Friend Along
Most scary experiences are easier to take on when there is someone you love by your side. If your child has a sibling or best friend, having them be seen by the dentist at the same time will allow them to comfort each other and be excited about sharing the experience together.
- Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
As dental professionals, we want to start off our relationship with your child on a positive note. This will help set them up for a lifelong healthy relationship with their dentist. We encourage you to bring your child for their first visit when they just need a routine checkup or cleaning. Waiting until they have a toothache and are already struggling with pain will make the dentist a much scarier place.
We don’t want them to relate our office with pain and fear, so please bring them before dental problems develop
Children’s Checkups with Our Dentist In Mesa, Az
When your child has all of their baby teeth, it’s time to plan a check-up and cleaning. Call Eastport Dental today. We can care you and your entire family, so plan a time that’s convenient to bring everyone in on the same day!
