Your Child’s First Dental Visit: Establishing a “Dental Home”

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First Dental Visit

Do you know when your child should have his first dental visit? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.  Children who have a dental home are prepared to succeed with preventive oral health care and benefit from a strong foundation of positive habits and skills. Learn about what Glacier Creek Dental can offer you and your family.

 

Why Seek Care Before Age One?

There are a few reasons why the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that you take your child to the dentist within six months after his first tooth erupts, or by his first birthday, whichever comes first.  First of all, establishing a dental home early on, helps your child build positive relationships between himself and his dental health provider. When positive relationships exist between your child and dental treatment, your child is more likely to nurture this relationship and the positive habits learned, long into the future. Beyond these foundational habits that you foster for your child, you also allow them to be evaluated early on for potential problems.

 

What Will Happen at that First Visit?

One of the main goals of your first dental visit is for your child to establish a relationship of trust with Dr. Murri, Dr. Willey and our caring staff.   It is important to us that your child know, from the first time they walk through our door, that we offer them help, tender care, friendly support and safety in our dental home. First visits are not long visits, but will involve a comprehensive exam and introduction to our tools and office space.  One of our dentists will start by checking all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, along with assessing for bite, gums, tissue or jaw issues.  Digital x-rays will be taken to ensure that we have a full picture of your child’s current dental health and progress. X-rays can show us how the adult teeth are growing and reveal if there is any deep decay present that needs to be resolved.  Digital x-ray technology is used in our office so that we can offer our patients a safe diagnostic tool with ¼ the amount of radiation found in traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays are also much quicker than traditional, allowing us to take several images at a time.  Along with x-rays, your child will also receive a simple dental cleaning and fluoride treatment to expose them to our routine and tools and to help safeguard his dental health until his next visit.

 

Patient Education Given at the First Dental Visit

Along with the treatment your child receives at his first dental visit, we also provide you with the patient education information you need to keep your child on a path of optimum dental wellness. Here are some of the common topics that we discuss with you:

 

  • Oral hygiene habits for cavity prevention
  • Fluoride needs and education
  • Oral habits (tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, biting nails)
  • Milestones to look for
  • Teeth eruption schedules
  • Nutrition
  • Dental checkup and frequency
  • Medical history and information gathering
  • Parent role and expectations
  • Technology and tools

 

Why You Should Choose Our Dental Home

With all the dentists and facilities out there, why should you choose Glacier Creek Dental for your child’s dental home? First of all, because of our amazing dentists and staff.  Drs. Murri and Willey both graduated at the top of their classes in dental school and are dedicated to offering you the very best their training and experience can offer. They are both committed to continuing education and take more than 100 hours per year to keep their offerings at their best.  This continuing education allows them to use the latest techniques and technology to provide your child the best care available. Both Dr. Murri and Dr. Willey are parents of young children and can relate to you and your concerns/questions about your child and his dental health.

 

On the technical side, Glacier Creek Dental is also one of the few area practices to offer laser cavity detection and laser tissue treatment allows cavities to be treated painlessly–often without the need for anesthesia–and with more precision and speed. All of these benefits mean your child will have a better, happier experience in our dental home than in most you will come in contact with.

 

Call for a Consultation Today

As a parent, you can make the biggest difference in your child’s long-term dental health and development. Schedule your free consultation or child visit today so you can get your child on the road to great oral health and healthcare.  Call our Fort Collins office today at (970) 267-0993 to set up your appointment. For your convenience, you can also reach us after regular business hours by submitting a contact or appointment request online using the form below.