What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Babies and toddlers have every reason to smile. Their days consist of play, cuddles, and learning. As young children absorb the world, they need to learn about their precious smiles. However, some parents don’t believe baby teeth are important. That’s untrue. First of all, infected baby teeth can have a negative impact on the adult teeth forming underneath the gums. It can also cause the child pain. In addition, children continue to lose their baby teeth throughout childhood until about 12. These baby teeth hold the spaces for the adult ones.  Plus, there is a correlation between healthy baby teeth and healthy adult teeth. When children learn good habits and values at a young age, it stays with them for a lifetime. Baby teeth are very important, indeed!

According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see the dentist before their first birthday and continue to have checkups and cleanings every six months. This promotes oral hygiene education and helps to prevent tooth decay. If your child is older, but hasn’t had dental care yet – let us know! We will do all we can to make their first visit comfortable. At South Shore Smiles, we understand that kids (and parents, too!) are a little nervous about first checkups. That’s okay!  We aim to provide a special dental atmosphere where children will have fun, learn, and leave with shiny, clean teeth. With our experience and special training, your child feels at home.

The goals of your child’s first visit:

  • Promote comfort and confidence about seeing the dentist.
  • Educate your child.
  • Build a relationship with the parents and become a trusted place to go with questions.
  • Create a place to go for a dental emergency.
  • We aim to create a pleasant experience to give your child a great impression of oral care.

What is the first visit like?

  • The exam and cleaning are quick.
  • Young children are usually most comfortable in their parents’ laps.
  • Dunlop and Mom or Dad sit facing each other.
  • The little patient faces Mom or Dad as they sit.
  • Then, the child reclines on to Dr. Dunlop’s lap
  • Mom or Dad holds the patient’s hands for stability.
  • The teeth are then cleaned and examined.
  • All done!

Call or contact our caring staff today and let us know if it’s your child’s first visit. (219) 627-3133.

If your child is older and is having their first visit, or if they haven’t had an exam in a while, check out the fun resources below!

Library Book:

Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist

Little Critter: Just Going to the Dentist

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

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