Children's Dentistry
From “happy visits” for your inquisitive little one, to routine exams, cleaning, and filling appointments for your older ones, we’re happy to see your kids here at River District Dentistry! We follow the Canadian Dental Association’s guideline of recommending the first dental assessment of an infant within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. It’s a great chance for your child to see and experience what a dental visit is like, with minimal stress and maximum fun!
The Benefits of Bringing Your Child in for an Age One Visit
It may seem a little early, but it is important to begin establishing good oral hygiene habits early on. The earlier you get your child used to the routine of coming to the dentist, the easier the visits will be. Plus, it will familiarize your child with our team and our process so they will be less likely to develop dental anxiety down the line.
In addition to helping your child feel comfortable and relaxed in our office, regular preventive visits help us identify any potential problems while they are still small, easily-treatable issues. For example, if we detect the first signs of a cavity in a baby tooth, we may able to intervene with proactive treatments.
By bringing your child in from an early age, they will begin to learn the value of having a good oral hygiene routine and take at-home care more seriously. Our team will be able to educate them on the importance of taking care of their teeth and how best to do so. We always use kid-friendly language that helps encourage and empower them to take ownership of their smile.
What Can I Expect at Our First Visit?
At your child’s first visit, we will get to know you and your little one and familiarize you both with our team. We will also clean and examine your child’s teeth, but there is no need to be nervous about treatment as we will be just be focusing on preventive care at their first appointment. It is important to stay calm and upbeat so your child knows that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
If any dental issues are found, we will walk through all your treatment options with you so you feel confident and informed before making a decision. As always, there is no pressure to decide on the spot. You will be given time and space to decide how you would like to proceed.
How Can I Prepare for the Visit?
The best thing you can do to prepare for your visit is to get your little one excited about this new activity. Instead of talking about their dental appointment as something that they have to do, say that it’s something that they get to do! It’s truly a milestone, and they should feel proud that they’re old enough to go to the dentist now. If your child still seems apprehensive, you can reassure them that a dental visit is as normal as going to the grocery store or to the library. There’s no reason to be afraid or nervous as it is just another event in a normal day!
Before you come in for your appointment, be sure to fill out your new patient paperwork online. This will ensure that your first visit will be streamlined and efficient and it will allow our team to focus on what is important- your little one! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to provide you with the answers you need. Simply give us a call at 604-423-3577 or feel free to send us an email at info@riverdistrictdentistry.com. We look forward to meeting you and your little one!
