KIDS & THE DENTIST: THIER FIRST VISIT

At Shuang Dentistry in Yishun, every single one of our staff members and doctors are committed to making sure your kid's first dental visit is a pleasant one! We do not just care for your child's teeth but we also want to make sure that they have a great start in their relationship with dentistry!

Bring your kids in for their first visit to tour our clinic before their appointment and find out what we do here. This will allow your kids to get used to the environment and be less scared! We love taking them around our clinic and allowing to become more at ease when they find out how fun their first appointment can be - showing them all the equipment we use, as well as how fun brushing can be!

Our dentists are trained to see kids and provide a wide range of paediatric care. However, if we find that your child has many problems or they need special attention, a specialist referral may be required. Nevertheless, let our dentists take a look to assess your child first.

The Information below has been adapted from the National Dental Care Website.

Why should I take my child to a dentist? The baby teeth are going to fall out anyway.
Your child's first set of teeth, the primary teeth, are extremely important. Strong, healthy primary teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and look good. Also, your child's general health can be affected if diseased and broken primary teeth are not treated early. Primary teeth also hold the spaces for permanent teeth to erupt into good positions. It is important that the first dental visit is pleasant, not anxiety-producing. Going to see the dentist only when child has problems does not allow this.

At What Age Should My Child First See a Dentist?
Ideally, it is best to take your child to the dentist when he /she is anywhere between 2-5 years of age. This allows the dentist to prevent and anticipate problems rather than treat them. In addition, the dentist will assess your child's caries risk, evaluate adverse habits and customize a program specific for each child.

How Should I Prepare My Child for His First Visit?
If you bring your child at an early age, your child will gradually learn that a dental visit is not a fear provoking experience. At an early age, the dentist can acclimatize your child to procedures such as examination using a mouth mirror, and tooth cleaning. Older children can accompany you when you see your dentist, so that you can be a model for appropriate behaviour. You can also read to your child. There are many children's books on visiting the dentist.

Important points before the first visit!

Don't:

• Bribe your child into going to the dentist or use a dental visit as a punishment
• Communicate your own fears to your child
• Let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits

Do:

• Be a role model to your child in terms of dental behavior, diet and oral hygiene
• Accompany your child at least for the first visit instead of relegating this to relatives and caregivers
• In making your first appointment, tell the dental staff about your child including any special needs or medical problems.