Dentistry for Kids
 Getting children comfortable with the dentist takes a little dedication on your part. Many parents make the mistake of waiting until their child has a dental emergency, or the school requires a dental exam before they make their first visit. When you start your child on the path to good dental health early on, it will make visits to the dentist less stressful and give your child a chance at good oral health into their adulthood.
The First VisitThe ADA recommends making your child's first dental appointment shortly after their first tooth appears. While this might seem unnecessary, it gives the dentist a chance to check your child's mouth for appropriate development, it also gives them a chance to look for any issues that might pose a problem in the future. In addition, it gives your child an early chance at becoming comfortable with sitting in the dentist's chair and having them look into his or her mouth with his dental instruments. While no real dental procedures will be going on, it gives your child a chance to learn how to sit still and let the dentist examaine the mouth.
Older KidsIf you do wait until your child is a little older to go to the dentist for the first time, their experience might be a little different, but it will still be comfortable. Kids over the age of 1 will get their teeth professionally cleaned and the dentist will discuss any issues that he sees including the presence cavities, the risk of tooth decay or any developmental issues that could occur as a result of thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier.
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