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What You Can Expect When You Bring Your Child In For Their First Dental Appointment
For parents, especially first-timers, there are many uncertainties that come with this amazing new role. One such question many parents in the Surrey, British Columbia area have is: what age is appropriate for a child’s first dental visit? It is recommended by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children should visit the dentist for the first time by the age of one or within six months after the eruption of their first tooth. The team at Surrey Place Dental Group wants to make this experience easy and stress-free for both parent and child.
We would like to provide information about what a parent can expect during a child’s first dental visit. This early introduction to dental care is essential for establishing good oral hygiene habits and preventing dental problems from developing or worsening.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
During the child’s initial visit to the dentist, parents can expect several key elements:
- Introduction and rapport building: The dentist and dental staff will warmly greet the child and parent, aiming to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Building a positive relationship with the dentist from an early age can help alleviate fear and anxiety about dental visits in the future
- Oral examination: The dentist will conduct a thorough examination of the child’s mouth, teeth, and gums to assess oral health and identify potential issues. This examination may involve gently lifting the child’s lips and cheeks to inspect the teeth and gums
- Guidance on oral hygiene: The dentist or dental hygienist will provide guidance to parents on proper oral hygiene practices for infants and young children. This may include advice on how to clean the child’s teeth and gums, choosing appropriate toothpaste, and establishing a routine for oral care
- Discussion of feeding habits and oral habits: The dentist may inquire about the child’s feeding habits, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or use of pacifiers. They may also discuss any oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting and provide guidance on how to manage or mitigate these habits if necessary
- Prevention strategies: The dentist will discuss strategies for preventing tooth decay and other oral health problems, such as the importance of a healthy diet, limiting sugary foods and beverages, and the use of fluoride supplements or treatments
- Planning for future visits: The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments for regular check-ups and cleanings, typically every six months. They may also discuss any additional treatments or interventions that may be necessary based on the child’s oral health needs
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients:
(604) 969-4212 | Existing Patients:
(604) 585-4044
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The first dental visit for a child is an opportunity for parents to establish a foundation for good oral health and for the child to become familiar with the dental environment in a positive and supportive manner. By initiating dental care early and maintaining regular visits, parents can help ensure their child’s oral health and well-being for years to come.
To schedule an appointment with the team in Surrey, BC, please call Surrey Place Dental Group today at (604) 969-4212.
Dr. Colin Loewen, DDS
Colin Loewen, DDS, graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has been practicing in the Lower Mainland area ever since. He offers a comprehensive range of general dentistry services, including restorative and cosmetic treatments, as well as surgical procedures like implants and bone grafting. Dr. Loewen takes pride in his ability to help patients feel comfortable and well-informed about their care. He continually seeks to enhance his expertise by staying updated on the latest techniques and research in dentistry. This commitment has allowed him to expand his practice to include specialized services such as Invisalign and Botox therapy for aesthetics and TMJ disorders. Additionally, Dr. Loewen serves as a Board Member for both the Fraser Valley Dental Society and the British Columbia Dental Association.
Dr. Greg Chang, DMD
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Greg Chang, DMD, graduated from UBC Dental School. He has practiced mostly in Surrey and enjoys family dentistry. He is especially keen on sports dentistry, has been the BC Lions Football Club team dentist for over 20 years, and is a member of the Academy for Sports Dentistry. He also participates in UBC Dentistry’s Community Outreach programs that teach young children preventative oral health care and wellness. He focuses on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle for physical and emotional health in children.
Dr. Joy Maru, DDS
Joy Maru, DDS, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta and his dental degree at Northwestern University in Chicago. He then moved to Vancouver and is currently practicing in Surrey. Dr. Maru also teaches at the University of British Columbia and is a board member of the BC Dental Association. He has over 20 years of experience with dental implants.
Dr. Praveen Islur, DDS
Praveen Islur, DDS, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. He then followed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany, NY. He has been a part of our team for over 17 years. Dr. Islur is a member of The Renaissance Study Club, Northwest Dental Club, California Center for Advanced Dental Studies, Nobel Biocare Esthetic Alliance Program, and Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Treatment and Education in Dentistry. He is a member of the BC Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association and has been an Invisalign Certified Provider since 2007.
Dr. Lauren Chang, DDM
Lauren Chang, DDM, received her BSc at Queen’s University and moved to Sydney, Australia, where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sydney. Now, back in Vancouver, she’s excited to be a part of Surrey Place Dental Group.
Dr. Muhammad Ali, DDS
Muhammad Ali, DDS, obtained his Bachelor of Health Sciences from McMaster University in Hamilton and completed his dental education at the University of Toronto. He then followed a general residency at the Jacobi Medical Center in New York City, where he treated medically complex and underserved patients. He relocated to Vancouver and has been providing our community with the highest quality, well-informed, and comfortable dental treatments.
