Are you a new parent and wondering when and where you should take your child to see the dentist for the first time? Your Arizona pediatric dentist is here to answer your questions!
The biggest difference between a pediatric dentist and your family dentist is that on top of the typical four years of dental school, the pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school, which includes residency training with infants, pre-teens, teenagers and children with special needs. Especially in the early years, your child has needs that are specific to their phase of life, and your Phoenix pediatric dentist is the most qualified to meet these needs.
If you have a newborn, you will start to see the first baby teeth pushing through your child’s gums typically around 4 to 7 months. Although some infants develop teeth a little bit earlier or later, your child should see an infant dentist before his or her first birthday or about six months after the first tooth has come in.
What should you expect on the first visit?
Your child’s first visit to the dentist’s office is really just an icebreaker to introduce your child to the dentist and the process of seeing one regularly. After that, children should continue to see the dentist every six months, just like adults. Once you’re there, you’ll find that a pediatric dentist’s office is often more kid-friendly than your family dentist. There are more toys, video games, etc. as well as other children waiting to see the dentist. Also, the pediatric dentist deals with young patients all day long, so he or she is very experienced with children and knows how to make your little one comfortable during the dental exam. If it’s time for your child’s first appointment, talk to your Arizona pediatric dentist today.