First Appointment

Having a child is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a person; from conception to delivery, there are different phases to experience. With the excitement comes many responsibilities because you are raising another human who is new to the concept of living. As your child grows, specific needs come with each phase of growth, and it is vital to meet these needs for an overall healthy child. One milestone a child experiences is growing teeth, which comes with different feelings and experiences. Hence, there is a need to be proactive.

Many parents are unaware that babies and toddlers can get cavities and tend to delay their first dental appointments until things get out of hand. This should not be the case, as a child's tooth can begin to decay as soon as it starts growing. Hence, scheduling a first dental appointment for your child as soon as the first tooth pops out is essential.

The American Dental Association, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and The American Academy of Pediatrics all suggest that children should be taken for a dental checkup no later than their first birthday, even if no teeth have popped.

Are you looking for a Lewiston dentist or for a Clarkston dentist? If yes, this piece is for you as it sheds light on one of Washington's best pediatric dentistry services. It also points out the importance of paying attention to your child's dental health and what to expect at your child's first dental appointment.

How important is it to take your baby to the dentist?

A study by the National Center for Health Statistics suggests that 21% of American children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities. The study also suggests that children who visit the dentist by their first birthday are less likely to experience tooth decay than those who wait until they are older. It is vital to understand that for every year that passes without booking a child's first dental appointment after their first birthday, the child's chances of experiencing tooth decay double.

Many parents need to be more knowledgeable about pediatric dentistry and base their steps toward their children's oral health on education. A child's first dental appointment is the perfect opportunity for parents to learn about their children's dental health.

Furthermore, suppose your child's dentition is beginning to show signs of early decay. In that case, professionals in pediatric dentistry can work with you to correct that early decay before it progresses into a cavity. The earlier you get your child to a dentist, the better your chances of being able to correct tooth decay.

If a cavity has already developed, it is vital to treat the cavity immediately. This is because tooth decay, especially in babies, is aggressive, and when left unattended, it tends to escalate and affect the entire dentition within little time. Parents sometimes make the mistake of mixing up the pain from tooth decay with that from teething. Getting your child to the dentist as soon as possible helps clear doubts and gives direction as to the issues that need to be addressed.

Pediatric Dentistry vs. Family Dentistry

Parents commonly ask whether their children need a pediatric dentist or a family dentist for their dental appointments. It would help if you went for an individual specializing in Pediatric Dentistry. This is because pediatric dentists are specially trained in areas including child psychology and behavior management, advanced pediatric surgical procedures, and pediatric sedation dentistry, among other things. They are in a better position to handle child-related dental issues than general dentists.

What should you expect at your child’s first dental appointment?

The pediatric dentist examines your child's teeth, looking for signs of tooth decay and any other condition that requires special attention. Typically, for many parents, this appointment ends up being primarily an enlightenment opportunity regarding their children's dental health. For instance, you are expected to learn how to properly care for your child's teeth and gums. It is not enough to know what to do; the "how" is also a vital aspect of your child's dental health. The pediatric dentist demonstrates and shows you to clean your baby's teeth so that you can protect your child's dental health as much as possible.

Furthermore, inquiries will be made about your child's eating habits, and some counsel will be given regarding that. Many parents are not fully aware of the implications of food and drinks on their children's dental health, and this appointment is an opportunity for that. Opening up on your baby's feeding habits is a great way to get personalized feedback and methods for encouraging your child to feed in a tooth-friendly manner.

Ultimately, your child's first dental appointment is a great opportunity to get answers to all your oral health related questions. For instance, questions relating to relieving your baby's teething pains or weaning your child from pacifiers, among other questions.

Where can you get the best pediatric dental treatment in Washington & Idaho?

If you have been looking for where to book your child's first dental appointment, you are at the right place, as Canyon Dental offers one of the best dental treatments in Lewiston and Clarkston.

Dr. Joe Schmidt and Dr. Ray Waller provide Lewiston and Clarkston areas with affordable, convenient, and comfortable dental care. You may be in the category of those looking for a Lewiston dentist or Clarkston dentist, and you need not look any further as Canyon Dental is your best option.

Conclusion

The need to pay attention to your child's dental health cannot be overemphasized. You should ensure that no stone is left unturned regarding your child's oral health, and one such way is to choose dentists in Lewiston and Clarkston, like Canyon Dental. Contact Canyon Dental today!