As a Groovy mom, you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that you should take your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts or by your child’s first birthday, whichever comes first.
But new environments, especially a dentist office, can be frightening for little ones. At Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Forrester can perform a Knee to Knee exam for groovy babies to help put them at ease during their first dentist visits. Here’s how you can prepare yourself and your child before your first exam!
Practice Holding Your Child
During a knee to knee exam, Dr. Forrester will have you hold your child in your lap with their head in Dr. Forrester’s lap. Before the appointment, practice holding your child in this position so he or she knows what to expect when the time comes.
Clean Your Child’s Mouth at Home
Throughout the exam, Dr. Forrester will examine your baby’s mouth, gums, and tooth or teeth with his hands. Before your visit, wipe out your child’s gums and teeth with a clean wash cloth or infant toothbrush to practice. This will help protect baby teeth from cavities early on and will help your child be more comfortable during the exam.
Expect Fussing
It’s normal for children to fuss and feel uneasy with a stranger examining their mouths. Even groovy babies can be unpredictable, and the most prepared may get upset and cry. If you show that you’re stressed when your child cries during the exam, it can make it harder to pacify the child. To help, relax and know that as a pediatric dentist, Dr. Forrester sees crying children every day and has many techniques to help calm your child down. The most important thing is that we work together to stay calm and create a positive experience!
If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call today!