Childhood has heaps of ‘firsts’, all of them important in different ways. But there are few with as much long-term impact as their first dentist appointment. This is when they begin to learn how to manage their oral health. Here’s what you can expect at your child’s first dental visit, and why it is so important.
The importance of dental for kids
Looking after your teeth is important at every stage of life, but we form most dental habits in early childhood. Children that are taught how to clean their teeth well at a young age are more likely to have better oral care habits as they get older, leading to fewer dental health problems. Dental check ups with a paediatric dentist can help set them on that positive path.
Oral care for kids involves their parents. Adults are responsible for brushing the teeth of their children for at least the first three years. Dental care starts when a child begins teething, which is when their first teeth begin to emerge through the gums. This happens as early as 3 months, but is more common between 7 and 10 months. Up until 18 months, we recommend cleaning teeth using a soft brush and water, or by wiping with a cloth. After 18 months, you can begin using a low-fluoride toothpaste.
From around 3 years old, parents can begin teaching their children how to brush themselves. However, they should still be prepared to help and brush with them to check they are doing it correctly. Many children are not sufficiently ready to brush alone until they are around 7.
When should you take your child to the dentist for the first time?
Parents should encourage their children to see the first dental visit as the start of a positive, lifelong relationship with oral care. Parents should take their children to the dentist for the first time when their first tooth appears, or around their first birthday, whichever of these events occurs first. At the first dentist visit, children can have their teeth and gums assessed for healthy development. The dentist is also able to respond to any potential issues.
In addition to ensuring that everything is developing correctly, early children’s dental check ups establish that it should be a positive and educational experience, rather than a frightening one. Getting children used to the dentist helps them feel more comfortable, making it less likely they will ignore going for check. Regular check ups are what prevent decay and more serious conditions from occurring.
The first dentist visit
Dental for kids can be frightening, so the first time your child visits the dentist is all about building trust. Children are always close to their parents to help put them at ease. They may be held in their parent’s lap, or their parent is close at hand.
The dentist spends time looking closely in your child’s mouth to examine the health of any teeth and the gums. The dentist will provide recommendations and instructions for oral hygiene and home care, as well as dietary advice. Parents can help their children feel comfortable by telling them that visiting the dentist is a normal thing that everyone does. Parents should avoid using the dentist as a threat for bad behaviour or discussing it in any negative light.
Appointments become more thorough with age, but we encourage children to ask questions and discuss what is happening. Understanding what the dentist is doing and why can help to allay any fears and make the process more enriching.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
To make looking after your children’s teeth more accessible, the Australian Government offers the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which is a financial scheme that covers all or some of the cost of basic children’s dental care in some circumstances. To be eligible for the benefits, your child must be:
- 0 to 17 years old for at least one day that calendar year;
- eligible for Medicare; and
- receiving a payment from Services Australia at least once a year (either themselves or one of their parents).
The schedule covers services including check ups and x-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals and extractions. Unfortunately, the schedule does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.
At home dental for children
Oral care doesn’t end at the dentist. Every day is important in keeping your teeth in optimal condition and free from decay. We understand though that some children will struggle to be motivated or focused when cleaning their teeth, so it’s important to try and make it fun where possible! This could include using a fun timer countdown or getting them a colourful toothbrush of their favourite character, helping them to get excited to brush.
It’s also worth spending time teaching them how to clean their teeth properly. You can do this with the help of online videos and educational children’s books, and it is important to follow up continually while they grow up to make sure they are doing it every day. On top of this, parents need to act as good role models by keeping up with their own daily cleaning habits and regularly visiting the dentist.
Dentistry for children
Teaching your children that they can trust the dentist is one of the most important lessons they can learn at an early age. If you need a professional you can trust with exceptional kids dental services to navigate those early appointments with you, we’re here for you. Book your child’s first dentist appointment today and give them the most positive start to their dental health journey.
