If you are looking for a dentist in Southampton for your baby, it is important to book their visit before their first birthday. As a general rule, most dentist practices will advise that the child should be seen within six month of the first tooth showing. Taking your child to the dentist in Southampton at a young age is a great way to get them used to seeing the dentist, prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can also help to prevent them being scared of the dentist at an older age. Remember, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear so taking your child to the dentist before their first birthday can help encourage a lifetime of good oral care habits.Reduced fear of the dentist will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future, and make your child more likely to keep up the visits into adulthood.
How do I prepare my child and myself for the visit?
At Smilemakers in Southampton, we advise you to prepare how to handle your child’s reaction to the dentist, be it good or bad. Have a plan in place. As young children may not want to sit still in the dentist chair,talk to your child beforehand about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. It might be an idea to give your child an incentive to be good at the dentist, such as a reward when they get home.
What will happen on the first visit?
The first visit to the dentist in Southampton is usually nothing more than an introductory session to get your child used to being with the dentist and at the practice. If your child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative, the dentist will usually arrange for the appointment to be rescheduled. Short, successive visits to the dentist are the best way to build children’strust in the dentist, and can end up being invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.
Book your child to see a dentist in Southampton today by contacting Smilemakers, where we will be happy to help and talk you through the process.
