As a parent, you always strive to make the right decisions for your child. One of the best choices you can make for their overall health is to get them pediatric dental care. But it can be difficult to know what to expect at your child’s first pediatric dentist appointment and how to best prepare them for it. Here at Nia Pediatric Dentistry at Marietta and East Cobb, we can help guide you through this process, so you will feel ready for your child’s first visit.

In order to learn more about the appointment, it is important to understand how pediatric dentistry differs from other forms of dental practice.

How is a Pediatric Dentist Different?

The element that sets pediatric dentists apart from other dental practitioners is their comprehensive education. Upon the completion of dental school, those interested in pursuing pediatric dentistry must take specialized training where they gain experience treating babies, infants, children, and adolescents. This helps them acquire expertise in child development and behavioral psychology. They use this knowledge to create a welcoming, comforting environment for their patients.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Pediatric Dentist Appointment

We make it our mission to provide your child with a positive dental care experience. This usually begins with preparation at home. We encourage you to discuss the importance of good oral health with your child before their first visit. This helps them understand the purpose of the appointment and makes them feel prepared before they arrive.

When having this discussion, it is important to understand that children can sense discomfort and apprehension from adults. As a result, it is essential you frame the appointment in a beneficial light. Explain to your child that their pediatric dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy. This will promote a positive outlook on the experience, which will make your child feel comfortable and confident during their first visit.

What to Expect at Your Marietta or East Cobb Pediatric Dentist Appointment

At Nia Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that your child may feel anxious about their first visit. Sensitive to their needs, we aim to calm any fears they may have by taking time to learn more about them at the beginning of the appointment. This helps put them at ease as we educate them about basic dental care.

Once this is done, your pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth, checking for placement, growth, and overall health. This includes a review of possible orthodontic issues like a crossbite, crowding, gaps, and more. They may recommend taking x-rays of their mouth, especially when they feel additional care and a treatment plan is necessary. Then, your dentist will perform light cleaning on their teeth as needed to detect cavities, tooth decay or early signs of gingivitis.

During your visit to our Marietta or East Cobb location, we encourage you to ask your pediatric dentist any questions about your child’s oral health. At the end of the visit, your dentist will review best practices for cleaning their teeth at home. They will also urge you to schedule the next appointment, as it is recommended they visit every six months for continued checkups and cleanings. This will help instill a habit that your child will carry with them into adulthood.

When to Schedule Your First Pediatric Dentist Appointment

Our pediatric dentists suggest you schedule your child’s first appointment within six months of their first tooth coming in. Arranging a visit this early will help to detect any tooth or gum issues that require preventive care.

At Nia Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to creating healthy smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Marietta or East Cobb location. When you work with Nia Pediatric Dentistry, you build relationships that will last a lifetime.