Many parents wonder about the right time to introduce their children to professional dental care. Although many people think visiting a dentist is stressful, there is a real opportunity to work with a dentist who specializes in kids' dentistry. Dr. Karen Lawitts and Dr. Joshua Wolhandler have a kids dentistry practice in Syracuse, NY, that will help them develop proper oral health habits that will serve them for a lifetime.
The right time to plan your child's first visit to the dentist is around the time that their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. To prepare for the visit, try to talk to your child about what will happen. The dentist will examine your child's mouth, including the gums, teeth, and tongue, and do a gentle cleaning. If your child can't or doesn't want to sit in the exam chair by themselves, just hold them on your lap while you sit in the chair.
You should talk about this visit as a fun experience. Try not to schedule their dental appointment during a normal nap time. Bring some fun, but healthy snacks as something to look forward to after the appointment. Think about developing your own special traditions around the dental visit - like celebrating a new toothbrush or toothpaste flavor, special stickers to mark the occasion, or inventing a song you can sing together to celebrate their healthy teeth.
Dr. Lawitts and Dr. Wohlandler are experienced dental professionals in kids' dentistry in the Syracuse, NY, area. When you make your initial appointment, bring with you any concerns you have about thumb sucking, pacifier use, or other oral health issues. You can help your dentist make this first visit a success by keeping a positive attitude and allowing the dentist to use their time-tested methods for entertaining and distracting children while they get their teeth and gums examined.
Here are three important reasons to start early dental check-ups for children:
- Beginning early will show your child that dental health is important and a regular part of their lives.
- Early check-ups help you treat problems before they become worse, which leads to better lifetime oral health.
- Regular visits with a team that specializes in kids' dentistry help keep an eye on your child's developing teeth, from baby teeth coming in, to the development of their permanent teeth.
To schedule your child's first visit, or to give your older children expert care by specialists in kids dentistry in Syracuse, NY, contact Dr. Lawitts and Dr. Wohlandler at (315) 492-8138. We are here to give your child a positive and lifelong experience with oral health.