How to Prepare for the First Dental Examination?
To ensure a positive first dental experience for children, precautions should be taken before problems arise. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule a dental appointment within the first year following the eruption of the first tooth during infancy. For children who will meet the dentist at a later stage, certain points should be considered:
- Engaging in activities such as watching videos, animations related to dental examinations, reading books, and playing counting games with dental toys can be helpful during the preparation stage.
- When scheduling appointments, it is preferable to choose times when child patients are more alert and cheerful, as this facilitates cooperation.
- Parents should avoid behaviors that reflect their own anxieties onto their children and refrain from sharing negative experiences with them. Instead, they should demonstrate a motivating attitude. However, it's important to be aware that not all dental issues can be resolved in the first appointment, and parents should avoid being overly coercive with their children.
- Parents should refrain from threatening their children with going to the dentist or getting injections to avoid instilling prejudice and anxiety.
When Should I Schedule My Baby's First Dental Examination?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that the first dental examination take place after the eruption of the first tooth (usually between 6 months to 1 year).
Isn't One Year Too Early for a Dental Examination?
The primary goal of pediatric dentists is to protect your children from tooth decay. The purpose of this early initial examination is to show you what you need to do to prevent your baby's teeth from decaying and to schedule regular check-ups to monitor dental health.
What Should I Pay Attention to Before the First Dental Examination?
More attention should be paid to what not to do rather than what to do before treatment.
- Avoid saying phrases like "don't be afraid, it won't hurt" to your child before treatment. Such phrases may suggest to children that they could feel pain subconsciously.
- Avoid rewarding your child with gifts after a dental appointment. Rewarding may cause your child to perceive the procedure as difficult.
- It's more beneficial not to mention your good or bad experiences in the dentist's chair to your child.
- Avoid using intimidating phrases like "if you don't go to the doctor, your teeth will decay more, and you may have to get injections and have them pulled out." These kinds of statements may increase fear and anxiety.
What Happens During the First Pediatric Dental Visit?
The aim of pediatric dentists during the first dental examination is to examine all of your child's teeth using a mirror and light, share existing problems and treatment alternatives with you, and, most importantly, inform parents about nutrition and preventive practices. During these procedures, all dental instruments used are explained to your child, their functions are demonstrated, and children may be allowed to use some of the tools themselves. This approach aims to break the fear of visiting the dentist.
What Should I Do When Bringing My Child to Treatment Sessions?
- We prefer parents to bring their children to treatment appointments, especially as the mother and father.
- Ensure that your child comes to treatment appointments on a full stomach unless otherwise specified.
- Children who undergo dental treatments very cooperatively may suddenly become uncooperative when they become tired and bored. This situation may negatively affect subsequent appointments. Therefore, do not insist on having more procedures done on your children or the dentist.
- Avoid asking questions that may undermine your child's motivation, such as "Does it hurt? Are you tired?"
Article Written by: Dr. İdil Akmeriç
