Preparing for First Visit

Helpful 1st Visit Preparation Tips

That first dentist visit can be scary! At ToothBuds at Lagoon Park LLC, we want to make sure you and your little ones are fully prepared. Check out our 1st visit preparation tips below, download our HIPAA and new patient forms, and then give us a call for your appointment or to ask questions. We can even come to you, your office, or your daycare!

Preparing for Your First Visit With ToothBuds at Lagoon Park LLC

New parents have plenty to worry about: making sure their baby is healthy and happy, re-arranging their lives around hectic schedules and lost sleep, and figuring out what to do in all sorts of novel situations. When it comes to your child's oral health, though, there's plenty of help available. It all begins when you bring your child in for his or her first visit to the dentist.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first checkup should occur by age one. Surprised? You shouldn't be! Even though there may only be a few baby teeth visible at that age, there are plenty of things to start working on — including the development of healthy habits that will make future visits to the dentist far more pleasurable.

Unfortunately, some children develop tooth decay at an early age. We will be on the lookout for cavities — but that's only one reason for an early visit. Equally important is reviewing the proper ways to care for a young child's mouth, going over your child's developmental milestones, and discussing the importance of good oral hygiene.

Before the initial visit, get them excited about their appointment as a sign of growing up. Tell them that they will be going to see the Dentist and that she will be counting their teeth and cleaning them. It is best to refrain from using words that may cause unnecessary fear like a needle, pull, drill, hurt. Let the Dentist and her staff explain the procedure to them in a language that is age appropriate.

We understand that every child is different and treatment will be based on each individual child’s needs. Our staff is highly experienced in helping your child overcome apprehension and will do their best to make it a positive dental experience.

First Visit Under 3 Years Old — Knee to Knee Exam

This visit we welcome one parent to come back with the child. Please encourage your child that this is a fun visit and we will be counting teeth and checking oral hygiene. At this appointment we will be doing a Knee to Knee Examination which is explained in these steps to follow:

Have the parent sit in a chair with the child in his/her lap. Interact warmly with the infant / toddler and the parent
Give the child a toothbrush that has been removed from packaging
Determine if the parent or another adult helps the child with tooth brushing by asking “How do you take care of your child’s teeth?” If the parent helps a child with brushing, give praise and approval as you have them demonstrate what they do at home. If they don’t help with brushing, encourage them to
Assume the “knee-to-knee” posture. If you can, hold your child “face to face” and place the child’s legs around your hips. Lower the child’s head onto the Dr.'s lap. Ask the parent to continue brushing the child’s teeth. While this is happening, observe the child’s mouth and teeth as much as possible as you supervise the tooth cleaning activity
Continue to praise the parent for what they’re doing well
Use the child’s toothbrush and quickly assess the child’s oral condition
Use a dental mirror and continue to assess the child’s oral condition and record findings
Advise the parent of oral findings and recommendations for follow-up

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ToothBuds at Lagoon Park LLC was founded in 2016.