Parents want their children to be healthy and happy, and caring for their smiles is one important part of their overall well-being. Making regular dental visits from a young age is one of the best ways to establish trust with a dental team and help your child feel comfortable, giving them a better chance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
So, to ensure early childhood oral health for your little one, when should you visit our Newport clinic, and what can you expect when you arrive?
When to Arrange a Dental Visit
We recommend bringing your child to see us as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the time they reach 12 months, whichever happens first. These early visits are the best way for us to assess their oral health and begin building trust.
The First Dental Visit for Kids in Newport
When you and your child arrive, here’s what you can expect:
- First, we’ll spend time getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable with the sights and sounds of our clinic.
- Then, we’ll perform an oral examination, looking at their teeth and gums.
- Next, we’ll provide a gentle cleaning, removing any plaque from their mouths.
- If necessary, we’ll use fluoride to remineralise their teeth and protect them from decay.
- Before you leave, we’ll answer your questions and provide hygiene information and behavioural advice.
Tips for Parents: How to Prepare Your Child
There are some things you can do to prepare your child for this important first visit:
- Read them a book or watch a video about going to the dentist.
- Spend some time role-playing about what will happen at their appointment. Use a toothbrush to show them how the dentist is going to clean their mouth.
- Arrange their visit when they’ll be well rested and after they’ve eaten.
- Allow them to bring their favourite toy to the appointment.
Need a Children’s Dentist in Newport, VIC?
If you’d like to learn more about what happens at a child’s first dental visit in Newport, our experienced team will happily assist you! At Portside Dental, we strive to help patients of all ages keep their teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
To book a visit with us, feel free to call us on (03) 9967 6131.
