Children’s Dentistry

When should I bring my child in for their first dental visit?

It’s never too soon to bring your baby in for that first visit with the dentist. Parents are advised to schedule a visit as soon as that first tooth begins peeking through, but no later than your baby’s first birthday. These early visits are a great way to get your child on a path toward optimal dental health and hygiene.

Early dental care visits are simple and straightforward. The team at Oasis Family Dentistry strives to make pediatric visits fun and enjoyable for parents and children.

Why is children’s dentistry so important?

Most kids have healthy teeth and few dental problems early in life. Coming in for routine pediatric dental exams is the best way to sustain optimal dental health and hygiene. Children’s dentistry focuses on preventive dental care.

Your child’s dentist performs comprehensive dental exams to check for the early signs of dental decay or gum disease. If areas of concern are noted, you’ll learn what to do to take the best possible care of your child’s teeth and gums.

As your child grows older and matures, they’ll learn proper dental hygiene habits. This empowers them to take an active role in their own dental health. The goal is to establish excellent brushing and flossing habits that will last a lifetime at an early age.

If restorative treatments are needed, your child’s dentist will make every effort to complete fillings or other treatments in a pain-free and simple way.

What if my child is fearful about coming to see the dentist?

Many kids develop fears surrounding dental care. Some have heard friends or family members speak in a negative way about their own experiences at the dentist’s office. Others have been exposed to movies or television shows that portray dental care in a scary way. Sometimes, there’s no clear cause for a child’s fear of seeing the dentist.

The best way to ease your child’s anxiety is by bringing them with you to your next dental exam. Once they see there’s nothing to be concerned about and have a chance to meet the Oasis Family Dentistry team, they’ll begin looking forward to their own visit.

There are also numerous children’s books written about seeing the dentist. Find one written for your child’s age range, and read it together. As the appointment date nears, be conscientious of how you discuss the visit. Children who “get” to go to the dentist are often happier than those who “have” to go to the dentist.

To book a children’s dentistry appointment, call the office, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.