The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association, and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
Prior to their appointment, tell your child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help your teeth stay healthy. Talk about the visit in a positive, age appropriate way, as you would about any new experience. Avoid projecting any negative feelings you may have regarding a dental visit, being careful to avoid negative words. A visit to our office can be a very pleasant adventure for both you and your child.
On the first visit, your child will be introduced to our dental team. Your child will be shown all the instruments the Doctor will use on the first visit (like our tiny mouth mirror and tooth counter). You and your child will also learn the importance of preventive home care skills to help your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
The Doctor will then gently examine your child’s teeth, gums and the remainder of the mouth. If your child is younger, we may have them sit in a parent’s lap facing the parent and have them lay back towards the dentist. We call this a “lap exam” and this can help the dentist do a thorough exam quickly.
At Monclair Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that every child is different, each with their own set of sensitivities. If your child is particularly nervous, we may opt to forego certain elements of the visit to ensure their comfort. Our goal is for all our young patients to leave our practice with a smile. Positive experiences and reassuring words from our staff—as well as from parents and guardians—help build a foundation of trust and confidence that can last a lifetime.
Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, a comprehensive teeth cleaning and a fluoride treatment may be performed. X-rays are only taken when absolutely necessary, generally starting around the age of 4. These x-rays aid in identifying any hidden decay between teeth and evaluating the development of permanent teeth. We always conduct a developmental assessment, and if orthodontic needs are identified, we provide referrals to local specialists. Should additional treatments like fillings be required, we will arrange for subsequent appointments.
