Your toddler has been to a medical doctor several times in the first few months of their life, but seeing a Dentist in Calgary isn’t something that happens until they’re about one, or six months after their first tooth appears. Creating a positive, fun experience for young patients is something all Calgary Dentists strive for and are happy to offer valuable tips on how to prepare your child for their first trip to the dentist.
As shocking as it may sound; babies can get cavities, especially if they are exposed to high amounts of sugar in juice or go to bed with a bottle. It’s important to keep gums and teeth (even if there’s only one tooth) clean. Using a wash cloth or finger cloth to wipe over gums and teeth after each and every feeding will remove the sticky residue of milk and therefore removing the sugar bugs that leads to dental decay. If your child has a few teeth a small amount of a child’s toothpaste can be used.
When preparing your child to visit your Calgary Dentist it’s a good idea to incorporate child’s play in to the process. Pretend to go to the dentist by using stuffed animals as patients and by adding props like dental floss and toothbrushes. Your child can even be the dentist and count your teeth, just remember to focus on having fun and using positive words to reinforce the good experience.
Talking about the importance of teeth and why a Family Dentist in Calgary needs to ‘check them’ or ‘count them’ or ‘take a picture of them’ will help your child begin a lifelong habit of taking care of their teeth. Understanding that teeth allow us to chew food, make a smile unique, and are needed to be kept healthy for a lifetime, plant seeds of making dental health a priority and that daily brushing and flossing is just part of a normal daily routine.
Dentists in Calgary agree that ‘families who brush together stay together’. Children learn what they see so setting a good example of great home care and trust in the dentist will ‘brush’ off on your child. Calgary Dentists understand that adults may have anxiety associated with visiting the dentist. If this is the case, it’s always good to have the non-anxious parent bring a child to the dental appointment. This small act will make life easier for everyone.
At Discover Dental in NE Calgary, Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, Jandu and Minhas strive to make your child’s first dental visit, and every visit, a fun and positive experience. These NE Calgary Dentists recommend bringing your child to ‘meet the dentist’ prior to their first appointment. Coming in with older siblings is always a great introduction to the dental world for a young child. Above all, always reassure your child that going to the dentist is a safe, positive thing to do. Bringing your child in early and regularly; before problems present, is a great start to their dental health.
Discover Dental is located in the NE neighbourhood of Falconridge. This family centred General Dental Office welcomes New Patients and is happy to provide more tips on how to make your child’s visit a happy one.
Call today to discover how this Calgary Dental team will make you smile 403.285.0222