The Importance of a First Dental Appointment
By Vernon O'Berry DDS
In
General Dentistry
September 7, 2017
The Importance of a First Dental Appointment
Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is crucial to both your comfort and health. This is especially true for children; a positive experience can help set the tone for future visits and help instill effective oral hygiene habits. If you maintain these routines at home between visits, you can prevent the need for invasive, potentially expensive procedures in the future and preserve not only your oral health but your long-term well-being.
Avoiding Anxiety
Keeping regular appointments and establishing a relationship with a trusted dentist early in life can help you stay healthy; all it takes is a solid first impression. The dental office can have a negative reputation for some children, especially if embellished stories from other kids inform their beliefs concerning oral healthcare. Developing dental anxiety based on false perceptions is counter-productive; the longer you stay away from the office, the more likely it is that your treatment will be invasive when finally scheduling your professional cleaning.
The First Visit
Parents are often encouraged to stay with their children during routine cleanings; this helps provide the young patient with a calming atmosphere and removes any sense of threat the child may feel. But in order to set that relaxing tone, it’s important for parents to keep their own anxieties in check before and during the appointment. Children often conduct themselves based on their mother or father’s behavior, so ideally a parent should reassure their child that the visit will go well and that dental cleanings are not only necessary but a healthy life choice. Establishing this sentiment at home, where your child can observe your own cleaning habits, is another factor that will ultimately inform how they will maintain their own healthy habits.
Make Your Health a Priority
In order to make appointments go as smoothly as possible, you should take care to practice prevention at home between these visits. Brushing twice a day and flossing will go a long way toward keeping all the elements of your smile healthy, specifically your teeth and gums. If you enjoy sugary snacks or drinks, take a moment afterward to rinse your mouth with cool water; this will help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that results from sugar getting trapped in your smile.
Schedule Your First or Next Appointment Today!
If you live in the greater Norfolk area and want to preserve the health, beauty, and function of your smile, let Dr. Vernon O’ Berry be your trusted dental professional. Dr. O’Berry and his team welcome patients of all ages, from teens to seniors. Call today to schedule your appointment!