In order for children to have a positive first dentist experience, precautions should be taken before problems begin. For this reason, it is recommended to make an examination appointment within 1 year following the first tooth eruption in infancy. In pediatric patients who will meet the dentist in the future, it is necessary to pay attention to some points:
- Video, animation, etc. about the dentist examination. Activities such as watching, reading books, playing teeth counting games with toys at home will help in the preparation phase.
- When making an appointment, choosing the hours when pediatric patients are more vigorous and pleasant will facilitate cooperation.
- Parents should avoid behaviors that reflect their own anxieties to children and should not share their negative experiences with children. On the contrary, they should have a motivating attitude, but while doing this, they should be aware that a tooth in need of treatment may not always be resolved at the first appointment and should not be pressured on the child.
- Parents should not threaten children with “taking them to the dentist” or “having an injection” as a means of intimidation. Such behaviors unfortunately increase prejudice and anxiety.
FAQ
When should I have my baby's first dental exam?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommend that the first dental examination be performed after the first tooth erupts (usually between 6 months and 1 year of age).
Isn't an age too early for an examination?
The primary task of pediatric dentists is; To protect your children from dental caries. The purpose of this first examination at an early age; It is to show you what you need to do to prevent your baby’s teeth from decaying and to check your dental health by calling you for checkups at regular intervals.
What should we pay attention to before the first dentist examination?
What should not be done before the treatment is more important than what is done.
- Before the treatment, do not use sentences such as “don’t be afraid, it won’t hurt at all”. Such sentences may give rise to the idea that children may subconsciously feel pity.
- Do not reward your child with gifts after a dental appointment. Rewarding causes your child to perceive the process as a difficult one.
- It would be more helpful if you did not tell your child about your past good or bad experiences in the dental chair.
- to your child; If he does not go to the doctor, do not make frightening sentences such as his teeth will rot more and then he may have to get an injection. Because all these processes that you fear may one day be the treatments that your child may need.
- Don’t promise your child that the dentist will do nothing but take care of their teeth. Let your child and his doctor decide together what to do for the first appointment.
What to do at the first pediatric dentist visit?
The purpose of pedodontists in the first dental examination; By looking at all the teeth of the child with the help of mirror and light, sharing the existing problems and treatment alternatives with the family, and most importantly, informing the parents about nutrition and protective practices. All the hand tools used while performing these operations are explained to your child, they are shown what they do and they can be allowed to use some tools. This approach of pedodontists is tried to break the dentist phobia.
What should I do when bringing my child to treatment sessions?
- We prefer that you, especially as parents, bring your child to treatment appointments.
- Make sure to bring your child to the treatment appointment full unless told otherwise.
- Children who have their dental treatments done very harmoniously can suddenly become very incompatible when they are tired and bored. This may also negatively affect their next appointment. For this reason, do not insist on your children and your doctor for more procedures.
- “Does it hurt when your child is being treated? are you tired?” Do not ask questions that may disrupt their motivation.