Infant Oral Hygiene Prepares Your Child for Their First Dental Exam in Greensboro NC

Good dental care starts when a child is very young. Parents who live in Greensboro, NC, should schedule an infant oral hygiene appointment as early as possible to allow them to get used to visiting the dentist’s office. Early infant oral care ensures that your child’s teeth are developing correctly. By starting them as early as possible, they will become used to visiting the dentist and won’t try to avoid going each year when it’s time for their yearly exam.

Don’t Offer Food or Drink for an Hour or so Before Their Appointment

Since the dentist will be trying to see inside your child’s mouth, you must avoid giving them food and drink for a few hours before their appointment. Allowing them to eat or drink before their appointment could result in them spitting up or becoming sick during their dental examination. Even though you shouldn’t give your child anything to eat or drink before the appointment, you should have something prepared for them as soon as the exam is over.

Let Them Take a Small Comfort Toy Like a Stuffed Animal

Infants and toddlers are sometimes nervous when they go someplace new or meet new people. A dentist’s office can be a little scary with all the people, the different smells, and the unfamiliar noises. Letting your child take a blanket or comfort toy with them will do a lot to keep them at ease. Having a familiar toy will also give them something to play with while waiting to be seen.

Don’t Act Nervous or Anxious

As a parent, it’s common to be nervous or anxious as your child experiences something new. Try to stay as calm as possible when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene appointment. They will quickly pick up on your fears and will begin to react in kind. If you know and trust your dentist, you should have no concern over how your child will respond to their first visit.

Stay Where the Baby Can See You

Anytime you take your child to someplace new, it’s essential to put them at ease. Stay where they can see you during their examination. Some children may enjoy the attention they get from the dentist, while others may want you to hold their hand or stand next to their chair. When children are seen before them getting their first teeth, the visits will typically be very short. That is when your child will have time to build a positive relationship with their dentist.

Early infant oral care starts at home, but it’s also vital to help them build a positive relationship with their dentist at a young age. Dr. Sona Isharani takes great pride in working with infants. In Greensboro, NC, the staff at Triad Pediatric Dentistry, are always available to help put their young patients at ease during their first visit. Call (336) 804-8668 if you are a new patient or (336) 282-7870 if you are an existing patient to schedule your child’s first appointment.