Routine and Preventive Care Treatment
Early Check Ups: When to Schedule
Your Child’s First Visit and Benefits of Routine Pediatric Visits
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend your child’s first visit with us by age one or within six months of eruption of their first tooth.
Bringing your child to the dentist early and regularly will foster proper oral care routine that can last a lifetime. Early checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating and other medical issues. Children with healthy teeth are able to chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
Here at MPD, we aim to make your child’s appointments both fun and informative!
What to Expect
During your child’s early visits with us, we’ll guide you on how to care for your child’s teeth in order to prevent cavities and decay. Children under 18 months of age will be given a thorough dental examination, typically while sitting on your lap. At this time, your child will also receive his or her first dental cleaning.
We will also discuss age-appropriate issues such as tooth eruption, proper techniques needed to clean the teeth and gums, and nutrition as it relates to dental health. You’ll be given the opportunity to discuss any of your concerns. At Middletown Pediatric Dental, we believe in strong communication and will take as much time as needed to answer any questions you may have. Your child’s dental health and your peace-of-mind are our top priorities!
Children between 18 months to two years will be given a thorough dental examination in one of our treatment chairs. Your child can relax and watch a movie of their choice during their dental cleaning, which also includes a thorough flossing and application of a fluoride varnish to help maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums.
Parents will receive important information pertaining to nutrition and the prevention of childhood dental caries (tooth decay and/or cavities). At the end of the visit, your child will get to select a toy and a sticker to take home. However, the real prize goes to you, knowing that your child’s teeth are clean and healthy!
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has the unique ability to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities and even reverse decay at its earliest stages. Our dentists can apply a safe and protective fluoride varnish to young children’s teeth. A recent study found that one-year olds who received this treatment twice a year were four times less likely to develop cavities in their baby teeth.