Kids are special in our practice! We believe it is important for their long-term health to give them a positive first experience in a dental office. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child have their first visit to the dentist by their first birthday (or when their first tooth erupts). Research shows that early detection and good oral health care impacts their general health and can help improve their school readiness.
In addition, children benefit from early exposure to the dental office because it alleviates unnecessary future anxiety about the unknown and allows us to establish a relationship for the future. Dr. Pink usually will have a discussion with the parents during their visit regarding children ages 1-3. 3 years old is when we usually schedule their first “real” visit unless there is a concern prior.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
When your child comes for their first “get acquainted visit,” we will show them around to help make them familiar with our office and have them sit up in the chair for an examination with one of our friendly dentists. Your child may choose to sit in your lap, and that’s okay, too! Our goal is for them to be comfortable and relaxed.
We will count their teeth, show them how to brush, and talk about how important it is to take care of their teeth. Our dentists, Dr. Thomas Pink, will also assess their oral health and can discuss with you any concerns with crowding, occlusion (bite), or risk of cavities to ensure they are developing appropriately.
Professional Dental Pediatric Cleaning
We recommend that kids have their teeth cleaned every six months. At that appointment, we will clean their teeth and remove any hardened calculus and plaque that may have form then we will use hand instruments and a state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaler to polish their teeth so they are bright and shiny. We also recommend a fluoride treatment to protect their teeth and keep them healthy and strong.
Dental Sealants Helps Protect Your Child’s Teeth
A dental sealant is a thin coating that your dentist or hygienist will paint on the biting surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Sealants help to prevent tooth decay by sealing off the deep grooves that are often too narrow and too deep for their toothbrushes to clean. Sealants cover up the pits to avoid letting bacteria get into them and they smooth out the surfaces so it is easier to keep them clean.
Your child’s first set of permanent molars will erupt around age six. We recommend having sealants placed between the ages of six and 14, the time when they are especially prone to getting cavities.
Though we want kids to learn to manage their own oral hygiene, some children don’t have the coordination yet to properly clean these teeth. (Ideally, they should be brushing independently for at least two minutes, twice daily.) Six-year molars are statistically the most restored teeth in the mouth for this reason; they are the first permanent teeth to erupt so they have to stick around the longest, and they are present during the most cavity prone period of their life. Sealant can help keep the teeth healthy and avoid problems.
Sealants can last up to 10 years, but since they are a thin plastic coating it is possible that they can chip or break off. Dr. Thomas Pink and your hygienist will check them at your regular dental cleanings to make sure they are still in good shape.
Your child might enjoy watching one of these videos before their visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqU56Asc9hQ
Watch Billy Blue Hair – Why Do I Have To Go To The Dentist?
We’d Like To Be Your Family’s Home For Gentle Dental Care in Maple Grove, MN!
For questions about any of our services, contact our office at (763) 416-2006. Click here to request an appointment. We offer convenient scheduling to cater to busy families like yours. One of our team members will happily help you!