Dentists have a really important role to play in the health of both you and your children. Think about it. You know your diet plays a crucial role in how healthy you are, and you can’t very well eat without a healthy mouth. There are some pretty significant dental milestones that your children are going to experience along the way that you can help prepare them for.
First Dentist Visit
Dental milestones start off with a bang with your child’s first visit to the dentist. This can be a bit of an intimidating, even scary experience for little ones, so they’re definitely going to need your help. The first thing you should do is make sure you’ve found a dentist who knows how to work with children and has a good reputation for doing so. From there, talk to your kids about what to expect. When the day of the visit arrives, be there with your child. Remember, you’ll be the one setting the tone for them. If you’re nervous, they’ll be more nervous. If you’re relaxed and happy, they’ll feel more comfortable in response.
Losing Baby Teeth
One of the more exciting milestones for kids is the loss of their baby teeth. Many a child has lost at least a little sleep at night waiting up in hopes of catching the tooth fairy in action. While the majority of baby teeth will fall out on their own at the right time, that isn’t always the case. Some baby teeth fail to come out on their own and need to be removed by a dentist. It’s a pretty simple procedure, but one that could be a little frightening for your child. Just like with their first visit, explain what they should expect and then set a calm, relaxed tone for the visit.
Getting Braces
Sometimes a child’s teeth just don’t quite come in the right way. There may be crowding, alignment problems, or teeth may be a little (or a lot) crooked. Braces are a common way to address such issues. If you suspect your child is going to need braces, you can help them prepare by scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. That will help both of you get a better idea of what to expect. Consider looking at different types of braces with your child. That can help them feel better about how they might look once they’ve been applied.
Dental care is crucial for kids, and parents have an important role to play when it comes to ensuring that everything goes smoothly. From your child’s first visit to getting their braces removed, there are plenty of milestones they’ll experience along the way. Do your best to prepare them for those milestones so that the experience can be as positive as possible for everyone involved.
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