It seems like just yesterday when your baby came home from the hospital, but now your baby is growing their first tooth! With their first dental appointment coming up very soon, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Below are four ways you can prepare to bring your baby to their first pediatric dentist in Beaumont, TX.

1. Find the Right Pediatric Dentist

Finding the right dentist is step one in preparing for your child’s first visit with the dentist. It’s important to find a pediatric dentist who has strategies that will make your child comfortable in their first visit. One way to find out whether a pediatric dentist is right for your child is to call the dentists in your area and interview them. Ask them questions such as:

• What strategies do you use to keep babies or children calm while they’re at your office?
• How many years have you been working with pediatric patients?
• Do you have any special accommodations for young people at your office?

2. Write Down Your Questions for the Visit

Once you’ve selected a dentist and made an appointment, start writing down the questions you have for the dentist during the visit. You may have questions about how to brush your child’s teeth, how to soothe your baby while they’re teething, or whether or not there’s anything else you should be doing to care for your child’s teeth. Write these questions down and bring them with you to the dental appointment.

3. Make the Appointment For a Time That Makes Sense for Your Child

If your child naps at a specific time during the day, or if they’re in a better mood at on time of the day over another, this is important information to take into consideration when making an appointment. Choose a time slot when your baby will be more likely to be happy to see the dentist.

Do you have more questions about your baby’s dental checkup in Beaumont, TX? Call the dental professionals at Southern Oaks Dental Care. We can answer your questions, provide you with input and make an appointment for your baby.

What do you think of when you hear the words “preventative dentistry”? Do you think about how the brushing and flossing you do daily helps prevent cavities? While this is one aspect of it, preventative dentistry is also a crucial part of your experience at the dentist.

A = All About Preventative Dentistry

First, it helps to define preventative dentistry. Quite simply, preventative dentistry is comprised of the practical steps you and your dentist take to preserve the health of your teeth and gums. This includes education and treatment as deemed necessary by your dental professional.

B = Brought to You By Your Dentist

Consider preventative dentistry a partnership between you and your dentist. While the regular brushing and flossing you do at home is an important part of preventing decay, cavities and gum disease, your dentist brings valuable tools to the table as well.

By visiting the dentist regularly, it’s possible to prevent many issues that start off small and grow larger without the proper treatment. For example, having minor decay treated promptly prevents further and more extensive dental issues in the future.

C = Common Elements Found in Preventative Dentistry

Every dental practice is different, but each has a singular primary goal: to help their patients have a healthy mouth and gums. A regular dental exam — coupled with x-rays — is the foundation of any preventative dental strategy your dentist develops.

After a thorough dental exam is performed, any oral health issues are noted by your dentist and the appropriate actions taken. Your dentist will also provide recommendations that you can do at home to help protect the health of your teeth and gums. There might be additional dental treatments your dentist determines that are necessary to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Southern Oaks Dental Care is focused on protecting the oral health of our patients. Partner with us to do so by contacting Southern Oaks Dental Care today to schedule a visit.