Your adorable infant has started crying lately, chewing and drooling — you know what that means. It’s teething time! You may not realize that that’s also the time to start thinking about your child’s first visit to the dentist.
You may think your child needs more teeth before a trip to the dentist is in order. You want your child to visit when the first few teeth erupt. Why? Because dentists like those at Woodhill Dental Specialties can examine your baby and tell if there will be any dental issues along the way or if the mouth and teeth are developing just as they should.
Our first-time pediatric dental patients in Dallas, TX, and Rockwall, TX, can expect a thorough examination and the start of a lifetime of great oral health. What can you expect when you bring your child to Woodhill Dental Specialties for the first time? We offer a lot more than you think!
What’s the best first dentist appointment age? We recommend bringing your child to the dentist right after the first teeth erupt, around 9-12 months of age. The earlier we see your child, the easier we can determine whether there might be any developmental issues, such as small teeth, missing teeth, or a small palate that could lead to crowded teeth.
You can first expect a thorough examination of your child’s mouth. We not only want to see the teeth that have erupted, but we also want to see those just below the surface, ready to make their debuts. Our technology includes cutting-edge 3D digital scanners and digital X-ray scanners that provide incredible detail with less radiation and no goop like in the old days.
What else can you expect from your baby’s first dentist appointment? At Woodhill Dental Specialties, you can expect to become a part of our family! You’ll get a tour of our offices and meet our amazing staff. You’ll get to know the people caring for your child’s dental health, hopefully for years to come.
Why is this important? Your child’s oral health will affect their overall health. It’s vital not only to take your child to the dentist regularly but to trust that dentist and know they have your child’s best interest at heart. We strive for that with every one of our patients. That’s why we say you become a part of our family when you come through our doors.
What happens at your baby’s first dentist appointment besides a checkup? We start you and your baby on a journey of great oral hygiene and health habits! The earlier your child learns about brushing and flossing, the better chance they maintain good oral habits throughout their lifetime.
We’ll show you the best way to clean your baby’s teeth and tell you when to transition to allowing them to do it. Start your child off with a special toothbrush they’ll love. Get one with a bit of glitter or a favorite cartoon character. They even have toothbrushes that play music while they’re being used!
We’ll also check for bad habits that could affect your child’s teeth, like thrusting their tongue against their teeth, thumb sucking, or using a pacifier. You’ll want to break those habits by age 2 to avoid the need for braces later on because of an overbite or crooked teeth.
If you have any questions about cleaning your child’s teeth, we are here to help you. Trust us — you are not alone in this!
What do you need to bring to your child’s first dental appointment? As with any doctor visit, you’ll have forms to fill out covering your child’s health history and any issues they might have. Our patient forms are on our website; you can download and print them at home. You can fill them out at your leisure and bring them when you come for your first appointment.
You’ll also need to bring your ID and your insurance card. We will help you file your insurance claims and discuss financing options in the office, including CareCredit.
What comes after your baby’s first dentist appointment? We’ll set up your next appointment six months out because your child should have a thorough teeth cleaning and examination twice a year. We’ll keep a close eye on your child’s oral health development.
By the age of 7, we recommend your child see an orthodontist. The advantage of bringing your child to Woodhill Dental Specialties is that not only can they see their pediatric dentist here, but they also can see an orthodontist. That’s because of our four doctors, two are pediatric dentists, and two are orthodontists!
We recommend seeing an orthodontist by age 7 because that’s when many permanent teeth are in, and we can gauge whether your child might need braces. If so, we offer treatment with braces and clear aligners. We also have two-phase braces for children that prevent major dental issues before they become complicated and costly.
Your child’s first dental visit is a big event because, with the right dentist, your child will build a relationship that will last for many years. That’s why choosing the right dentist for your child is so important. At Woodhill Dental Specialties, we want to be the right dentist for your child. That’s why we offer a virtual consult free of charge so you can get to know us (and we can get to know you) before you even step foot into our office! If you’d rather start your journey with us face to face, you can make an appointment to visit our Dallas, TX, or Rockwall, TX, office! We can’t wait to meet you!
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