Tips for Helping a Child Deal With a Dentist Appointment

Glenn J Marie DDS

Glenn J. Marie, DDS, is the owner and primary dentist at Dentistry for Children in Staten Island, New York. The office is especially experienced in helping children with special needs, including autism and Down Syndrome. Glenn J. Marie received a DDS from the New York College of Dentistry.

Taking children to the dentist regularly is a vital part of protecting their dental health. Most children should visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. This first visit is in part designed to help kids get used to visiting the dentist and also to teach parents how to tend to their baby’s teeth. By age two, children should be seeing the dentist every six months. Most children will receive an orthodontic evaluation around age seven, which helps dentists identify the skeletal causes of crooked teeth.

Prior to bringing your child to the dentist, it is a good idea to prepare him or her by discussing what to expect and urging him or her to be excited about the visit. Appointments for children are best held early in the day, when children are alert and fresh. Parents should also be prepared to hold their children in the chairs, especially those who are under 36 months old.