Many of our Sedona and Cottonwood area patients are nervous about seeking out dental care and visiting a dentist office for the first time, or the first time in years. Parents are unsure at what age they should begin bringing their babies or small children to a Sedona family dentist. And adults struggle with negative fears and uncertainty from memories of childhood dentist visits. To help ease your fears, your family dentist, AZ Smile Designers, wants you to know more about when you should bring your child to the dentist and what will take place.
At AZ Smile Designers, we believe great oral health should start at birth and last a lifetime. While it’s not necessary to bring your newborn in for an office appointment, our team of highly-skilled dentists can offer you tips for keeping your baby’s mouth and gums clean and healthy. Then, again, you should not wait until your child has all of his or her baby teeth either. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that you should bring your to our Cottonwood dentist office when his or her first tooth erupts through the gums, or no later than one-or two-years-old.
Our goal for your child’s first visit to the office is to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for you and your child. We also want to assure that your child is taking great care of his or her teeth. When your child arrives at our Cottonwood dentist office he or she will be greeted by our friendly staff and you will meet one of our expert dentists. For younger children, the first visit will be more of a chance for them to check out the surroundings, meet the dentist, and become comfortable with the office environment. We will talk to them, show them around the office, even let them just sit in the dental chair. If it’s possible, our Sedona dentist will also complete a quick examination to identify any potential issues with your child’s teeth growing in. We will also help you complete registration paperwork and collect your insurance information.
One of the things we hope to accomplish on your child’s first visit is a lesson about the importance of good oral hygiene as well as the tips and tools needed to accomplish this goal. We will provide your child with a good toothbrush and show them the proper way to brush and floss his or her teeth. We will also attempt to clean your child’s teeth, as he or she allows.
For older children, the first visit may look a little different. If your child is three-years-old or older, your Sedona dentist will likely conduct a thorough exam and cleaning every six months. As long as all things go well with the dentist, at five-years-old, your child may have X-rays taken.
If you’re ready to check out the difference AZ Smile Designers can make in your smile, give us a call today at our Cottonwood or Sedona office to make an appointment for your first visit. We also have an online appointment request form to accommodate your busy schedule. We look forward to providing the services you need for great oral health and a beautiful smile! Call today!
