Your Child’s First Visit

Infant Oral Health Program

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit a pediatric dentist within 6 months of the eruption of your child’s 1st tooth. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. At this visit, you will hold your child in your lap and Dr. Avni Rampersaud will examine the mouth to make sure the teeth and gums are developing normally. We will discuss proper hygiene. In addition, we will address fluoride supplementation, healthy diet, finger or pacifier habits, and dental trauma. This visit establishes a “dental home” for your child.

Be Positive!

Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. One way to convey good feelings to your child about dental visits is to remind them that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up. You can explain that Dr. Avni will count and take pictures of his/her teeth. A helpful book to read before the 1st visit is “Dora goes to the Dentist”.

Please do not tell your child that the “dentist will hurt” as this thought may never have entered his/her mind. Instead, you may wish to assure your child that Dr. Avni will be gentle and friendly. Also, please avoid using the words needle, shot, pull, or any other words suggesting scary feelings. Please stay positive!! Any anxiety on your part will probably be sensed by your child. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are he/she will do just that! We will be sure to explain http://www.montauk-monster.com/pharmacy each of our procedures to children in terms they can understand before we perform them.
Our staff will review the health history form with you at the first visit. Your child will be introduced to our dental team and invited to tour the office. For children ages 6 months-2 years, we will ask that a parent hold the child in his/her lap for examination. For children age 3 and above, a demonstration will be given prior to any examination to allow the children to feel more comfortable with the surroundings.

You are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area during the initial exam. This will give you the opportunity to see our staff in action and allow Dr. Avni to discuss dental findings and treatment directly to you.

Dr. Avni will perform a head and neck examination and then evaluate the health of the teeth, gums and your child’s bite. Your child will receive a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment. Dental radiographs are taken as they are necessary. We will spend time educating your child on proper hygiene (brushing & flossing) techniques. We will also review diet, fluoride supplementation, and orthodontic assessment as needed. Additional services will be scheduled for a later visit.

What if my child cries?

Please do not be upset if your child cries. This is a normal reaction to the unknown. In fact, with infants, crying actually helps us to see everything in the mouth that we need to see. As your child matures, it is part of our goal to encourage their independence and promote self-esteem.