Your child's first dental appointment: the first step to a healthy smile

**How ​​will the child's first dental session be at Dr. Elham Tavaklian's office? How long should we wait? Does it hurt?** When small children are placed in a new situation, they are excited and stressed and have various questions. The first experience of going to the dentist is very important for children and can have a lasting effect on their attitude towards oral and dental hygiene in the future. For this reason, creating a happy and friendly environment in Dr. Elham Tavaklian's dentistry is the first step to create a positive experience for children. In this article, we describe the steps of an initial visit session in this clinic in detail. A happy and friendly environment, the beginning of a friendship It is necessary to have your child's first oral examination at the age of one year or within six months after the eruption of the first tooth. Of course, this may be daunting for many parents! "How can I convince a one- or two-year-old to have a dental checkup?!" But a dental checkup at the age of one is a very important step to ensure that your child never develops tooth decay, which is the most common chronic disease in children. Children usually do not acquire the cooperation skills necessary for a dental examination until they are about three years old; At this age, they have their full set of 20 baby teeth. The last of these baby teeth do not fall out until early adolescence. But if a child is at high risk for cavities, by the age of three they may have a mouth full of cavities, leading to toothache and infection and requiring invasive treatments that may require sedation or even general anesthesia. Therefore, a dental visit at the age of one is a key step to prevent all these problems and help your child have a healthy, decay-free smile. In the dentistry of Dr. Elham Tavaklian, efforts are made to create a happy and friendly environment for children so that they feel comfortable and safe from the very beginning. Cheerful colors, attractive toys and children's cartoons provide a fun environment for children. Especially for one to two-year-old children: knee-to-knee examination For one- to two-year-old children who are not yet able to sit on the dental chair, the knee-to-knee examination method is used. In this method, the child sits on the parent's leg and the dentist examines him. Familiarity with the environment and tools In the first session, a kind and patient trainer leads the child to the treatment room and talks to him in a friendly way. At this stage, educational cartoons are played to attract the child's attention and familiarize him with the dental environment and tools. **Simple and painless treatments** In the first session, complex treatments and the use of sharp tools are avoided. Instead, simple treatments such as fluoride therapy are performed, which are very useful for strengthening tooth enamel. Also, the dentist teaches the child how to use an electric toothbrush, water flosser and other oral hygiene tools. **Superficial anesthesia and pain reduction** If any treatment is needed, surface anesthesia is used so that the child does not feel pain. This will make the child have a positive experience of going to the dentist. **A short and sweet session** The first session of the visit usually lasts less than 15 minutes so that the child does not get tired and bored. The examination usually includes the following: - Obtaining the child's medical and dental information from the parents - Investigating the risk of tooth decay - Talk about eating habits and oral hygiene - Showing the correct way to use fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) - Dental examination and, if necessary, application of protective varnish **reward and encouragement** At the end of the session, the child is given a reward so that he is eager for the next visit. The first visit session at Dr. Elham Tavaklian's dentistry is designed with the aim of creating a positive experience and reducing children's fear of the dentist. By creating a happy and friendly environment, using simple and painless treatment methods, and teaching proper oral hygiene, this clinic strives to ensure healthy smiles for children. Benefits of a child's regular visits to the dentist, Dr. Elham Tavaklian - Developing the habit of oral and dental hygiene from childhood - Early detection of dental problems - Reducing the risk of tooth decay - Increasing the child's self-confidence - Creating a long-term and intimate relationship between the child and the dentist Tips to reduce stress during a child's first dental appointment A child's first dental appointment can be stressful, but there are many ways to reduce that anxiety. In this article, we provide you with tips to prepare your child for the first visit to the dentist. ### choosing a pediatric dentist You might think it's easier to take your child to the family dentist, but choosing a pediatric dentist is actually a better choice. After dental school, these dentists complete two to three years of specialized training that specifically focuses on treating children. Pediatric dentists have a deeper understanding of children and their dental needs. They specialize in oral care for infants, children and adolescents, including children with special needs. ### Talk positively about what happened at the dental appointment Research has shown that parents can pass their dental anxiety on to their children. Therefore, even if you are not a huge fan of the dentist, do not bring this up in front of the child. If your child is afraid of the dentist and is anxious about their first visit, let them know that it is completely normal to be afraid of doing something they have never done before. Encourage him by praising him for his bravery. Your explanation should be simple and not contain many details. Tell him that the dentist will count his teeth and make sure they are healthy. He also meets a dental hygienist who "tickles" his teeth with a special toothbrush. ### Role play with the child Role playing can help your child relax. Just before the appointment, create an imaginary dental office with the child. Grab her favorite doll or stuffed animal and pretend what happens at the dentist's office. You can play the role of a dentist yourself, count his teeth and brush your teeth. Talk about what you do and the importance of oral hygiene. Then, switch roles or have the child play dentist with another doll. ### Read books about going to the dentist for a child Books can be very helpful in preparing a child for a variety of life events, including going to the dentist. When kids see their favorite characters happily going to the dentist, it makes them look at the experience in a positive way. It can be hard to choose from all the wonderful books out there; Here are a few to get you started: - **The Bear Family in Dentistry** written by Stan and John Bernstein - **Dora Goes to the Dentist** by Ellen Roseburg - **Peppa goes to the dentist** (Peppa Pig) - **Let's go to the dentist** by Jess Stockham ### Take the child's favorite companion If your child has a favorite doll or toy, take it with you to the dental appointment. A familiar and loving friend helps him feel safe and calm. It might even be time to check the doll's teeth! ### Set the appointment at the right time Schedule your child's dental appointment at a time when he or she is usually in a good mood. It is better to avoid setting the time late in the day or near their nap time, as they are usually tired and bored. We hope these tips help you prepare your child for their first dental appointment! ### The importance of the first visit to the dentist The first visit to the dentist is an opportunity for the dentist to: - **Evaluate the condition of the child's mouth and teeth:** By examining the child's mouth, the dentist ensures the health of the teeth, gums and jaw and takes necessary measures if there are any problems. - **give the necessary training to the parents:** The dentist teaches the parents how to take care of the child's teeth and strengthen the oral hygiene habits in the child. - **Reduce the fear of the dentist:** By creating a calm and friendly environment, the dentist can help the child to reduce the fear of the dentist and have a positive experience of this visit. ### Dental fear in children Fear of the dentist is very common in children and has many reasons, including: - **Negative previous experiences:** If a child has a bad experience visiting a doctor or dentist, he may be afraid to visit again. - **Unfamiliarity of the dental environment:** The tools and sounds in the dental office may be scary for the child. - **Fear of pain:** Children may be afraid of pain caused by dental treatments. > Dental anxiety: overcoming fear and maintaining oral health Find a professional dentist for your child's first dental appointment Choosing a **pediatric dental specialist** is very important. A pediatric dentist should: - **Have enough patience:** The dentist must be able to deal with children patiently and kindly. - **have the necessary expertise in the field of children's dentistry:** A child dentist must be familiar with the anatomy and physiology of children's mouth and teeth and be able to perform appropriate treatments for them. - Create a calm and friendly environment: The child's dentist's office should have a calm and cheerful environment so that the child feels comfortable. ### getting the child used to periodic examinations from a younger age Accustoming the child to periodic examinations from a younger age can help reduce the fear of the dentist. Parents can prepare the child to visit the dentist by using the following methods: - **Dental games:** Using dolls or toys, play dental games with the child so that he becomes familiar with the examination process. - **Read story books:** There are many story books about going to the dentist that help the child to become familiar with this experience. - **Watching educational videos:** Watching educational videos about dentistry can help the child to learn more about this topic. ### Preparing the child before going to the dentist - **Dear parents, control your anxiety:** Children easily understand their parents' feelings. If you are worried or anxious, the child will feel the same. - **Talk to the child:** Talk to the child in simple and honest language about going to the dentist and answer his questions. - **Draw a picture of the office or dental equipment:** Ask the child to draw his imagination of the dentist's office or dental equipment. This will help him to familiarize himself with the dental environment. - **Watching a dental movie or game:** Dental movies and games can help the child to become familiar with this environment and reduce his fear. - **Company and sympathy with the child:** During the visit to the dentist, reassure your child and show him that you are by his side. - **Don't bribe the child:** Rewarding the child for going to the dentist may make the child think it is an unpleasant experience. - **Choose the time of the turn according to your child:** Try to choose the turn at a time when the child is fresh and calm. - **Give the child light food before the turn:** Giving the child heavy food before the turn may make him feel uncomfortable. Do not give the child heavy food or whole milk before the visit. ### Important points when entering the dental office - **Allow the child to be independent:** As much as possible, let your child move around the office alone and familiarize himself with the environment. - **Try to be at the doctor's office on time:** By arriving on time, you can prevent stress and anxiety in the child. - **Don't interfere with the work of your child's dentist:** Let the dentist do his job in the best way. - **Avoid asking dental questions in front of the child:** Asking technical questions about treatments may cause anxiety in the child. **Examination methods for different ages:** - \*\*children from 6 to 18 months: \*\* are examined in "knee to knee" position. The child sits on the parent's leg and leans towards the dentist for examination. - **Children 19 to 30 months:** sit on a small chair in front of the parent and bend their head towards the parent's knee to be examined. This method is suitable for slightly more independent children. ### Preparing the child for the first pediatric dental visit - **Physical and mental readiness:** If the child is sick, wait until he is completely well. Also, if the child has recently had a difficult experience such as a vaccination or hospitalization, give him time to recover. - **Role-playing:** Talk to the child about the visit, read a book, watch a movie and role-play with him and his doll. Never use the dentist as a threat. - **Patience and calmness:** The child may cry during the examination. This is normal. Be kind to him and reassure him. ### The importance of the child's first meeting with the dentist Children's first dental appointment is a golden opportunity to build a strong foundation for future oral health. With **proper preparation** and creating a positive environment, you can help the child have a positive experience of this visit and reduce his fear of the dentist. The first step to having a healthy smile is visiting the dentist regularly. By choosing an expert and experienced dentist like Dr. Elham Tavaklian, you can ensure that your child receives the best dental care. Determining the first time for the child's dental examination (**Referring to the dentist of Dr. Elham Tavaklian for the first time is free of charge**) To receive an appointment, enter your name and phone number in the appointment request form: ###