Text Agnes: 647-984-8254
Call front desk: 1-519-773-2863
Located in St Thomas and Aylmer, Ontario
Hygienist Next Door/Smart Dental Hygiene - YOUR CHILD'S FIRST VISIT?
It’s not about expecting cavities when they’re this young, it’s about prevention… so they never have them.
The first visit should occur around age 1 year. If your child is older than 1 year and has never been to see a dental professional, that’s ok! Make an appointment today! Hygienist Next Door/Smart Dental Hygiene is child-friendly!
Try playing “dentist.” Count your child’s teeth, then switch roles and let him or her count yours. Make the exercise fun and explain that this is basically what the dental hygienist will do.
Explain other things that may happen at the office, like picking out a new toothbrush, having a chair ride and taking pictures of your teeth with a special camera.
Take your child along when an older brother, sister or friend is going for an appointment. It’s a great way to introduce your little one to the office and the staff.
Be positive and be an example. Treat the appointment as a typical routine that everyone does to stay healthy.
Be sure to advise the dental hygienist about any special needs or medical problems, such as allergies or bleeding disorders.
Let your child bring his or her favourite stuffed toy along. Maybe your child’s stuffy would like a dental hygiene exam too!
Have a question?
Just ask.
Start early, start with Hygienist Next Door/Smart Dental Hygiene!
All dental and dental hygiene professional associations encourage parents to find a ‘dental home’ for their child by his or her first birthday. Early preventive visits have been shown not only to reduce dental disease, but also to reduce future oral health care costs. Most children are unlikely have any dental problems around age one, however, by age 2-5 years, 28% have decay (cavities). This is over ¼ of the kindergarten class!
Remember…dental cavities:
• Are mostly preventable.
• Can be stopped or reversed when caught early and with early treatment.
• Are contagious and will spread to other teeth and other mouths when through bacteria in saliva.
• Are infections which can lead to other health problems.
Early childhood cavities can cause pain, infection, inability to eat, sleep, and concentrate; resulting in a failure to thrive and grow.
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