The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend a child establish dental care by age one. While we realize children at this age are pre-cooperative in the dental setting, a visit to our office at this time can be extremely beneficial. We provide parents with guidance regarding many areas of oral health, particularly information on how to lower the risk of dental cavities, which remains the most common disease of childhood - five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Chestnut Dental has established a more formal infant oral health program which includes a discussion with parents on topics ranging from tooth eruption to risk factors for dental disease, oral hygiene instruction, appropriate fluoride exposure, thumb and pacifier habits and tooth trauma. In addition, all infants receive a comprehensive oral evaluation, a risk evaluation for developing dental cavities, and if indicated, a fluoride treatment. By seeing children as toddlers, we hope to promote oral health and decrease the number of children developing cavities. An early visit to the pediatric dentist gives parents a "dental home" for their child. The most important part of the visit is establishing a familiarity and comfort level with the doctors, offfice and staff.
Between the ages of 2.5 and 3 is when we recommend your child have their first dental cleaning. Your child's first cleaning visit will begin with a greeting by our hygienist who will take you both to a toothbrushing area where they will review your child's medical history. The hygienist will explain and demonstrate oral home care, examine your child's mouth and teeth and perform a thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment. Next you and your child will be introduced to the examining dentist. The doctor will perform a full examination of teeth, bite and surrounding structures. Radiographs may be recommended as needed. For an older child, if orthodontic treatment is indicated, we will schedule a follow-up diagnostic evaluation with one of our orthodontists.
Parents should not over emphasize the first visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill.” We are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry.
We are always available to answer any of your questions about your child's treatment. When treatment has been completed, you will be scheduled for periodic recall visits (usually every six months). At subsequent recall visits, examination and fluoride applications will be performed at that time as well.