Pediatric Dentistry Specialist

When should I bring my child in for their first pediatric dentistry visit?

To give your child the best chance for lifelong oral health, you should schedule their first dental visit after their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. After their first visit, schedule check-ups every six months.

Baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay the minute they appear, which typically happens when your baby is between six months and a year. Untreated tooth decay can lead to a lot of early problems, such as infection, tooth loss, and pain that leads to improper eating. 

Early pediatric dental care, in contrast, offers your child a myriad of potential advantages, including:

• Speech development support
• Aided permanent tooth development
• Proper chewing facilitation

Children who have their first dental visit by the age of one are also less likely to need restorative or emergency dental care later on.

What happens during my child’s pediatric dental check-up?

During your child’s pediatric dental check-up, Dr. Williams typically begins by checking out the growth and development of their oral tissues, teeth, bite, gums, and jaw.

Next, she gently cleans your child’s teeth, focusing on removing plaque, tartar, and stains. At this time, she also polishes their teeth. If they’re old enough, she then demonstrates to them how to properly brush and floss at home. 

Unless your child has begun to develop adult teeth, Dr. Williams won’t usually perform any X-rays. 

A regular pediatric dental visit lasts between half an hour and 45 minutes, during which you are typically present to provide moral support to your child and to ask any questions that you may have.

How can I make my child feel confident before a dental visit?

The idea of visiting the dentist has been making children and adults uneasy for decades. With the advent of dental technology, though, dental visits don’t have to be scary. 

To assuage any anxiety, and to make your child feel as confident as possible, you can take a number of steps. First, build enthusiasm by talking about the benefits of the visit and frame it as an exciting event. 

Be careful not to pass any of your personal anxieties onto your child. Remember that children are observant, and if you’re nervous, they’ll pick up on it and become nervous as well.

When you get to Dr. Williams’ office, you can also sit with your child and help them build a good relationship with her.

If it’s time for your child to receive dental care, trust them to Claire V. Williams, DMD. To make an appointment for pediatric dentistry, call her office, or use the online booking tool today.