Happy new year! While you are busy following through with those resolutions, there may be one more thing to add to the list — a routine visit to the pediatric dentist. Keep reading to find out why prevention is crucial at every age and how you can help your little one’s smile stay healthy and thriving for years to come.
Dental Tips for Parents
From toddlers to teens, kids of all ages should visit the dentist at least every six months (and more often if recommended by the dentist). Young children can visit a pediatric dentist for more specialized care that is focused specifically on their developing teeth and gums.
During your little one’s first visit and for the check ups that are to follow, keep the following tips in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly and that dental visits are something your child even starts to look forward to.
Remember to:
- Talk to your son or daughter about the dental appointment beforehand. Remember to use positive language and to avoid talking about anything that might hurt (the vast majority of the time there is nothing uncomfortable about that first visit).
- If you feel like you are late scheduling their first appointment or a recurring check up, don’t worry. Remember it’s never too late to renew your commitment to their oral health, and it’s truly better late than never.
- Practice a runthrough of the appointment the evening or morning before. Take turns being the dentist/patient, or practice with a teddy bear as the patient.
- Prepare all of your questions for the dentist in advance, but also let the dentist have the chance to talk to your child so they can start to get to know each other. You will have plenty of time to ask questions at the end of the appointment.
- Rather than skipping from dentist to dentist, work to establish a “dental home” with a pediatric dentist who you feel comfortable with. It really makes a difference!
Book an Appointment This Month
January and February are excellent months to visit the dentist, especially for families who are covered by a dental insurance plan. If you have dental insurance, you likely have two free check-ups per year as part of your benefits, so do not let them go to waste! Book an appointment for your child and the rest of your family this month and head into 2020 with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are in excellent oral health.
Meet the Pediatric Dentist
With over 20 years of experience caring for smiles, Dr. Aarati Kalluri received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco. Dr. Kalluri is also an artist and takes pride in creating smiles that are as beautiful as they are healthy. To book an appointment for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling Infinity Dental Care at (214) 691-8400.