Early dental care is essential to ensuring your child grows up with a healthy set of teeth. However, many parents aren’t sure how early they should start taking their children to the dentist, or what their baby’s first dental appointment will entail.
Dental problems can begin as soon as your child gets their first teeth. Many children in the U.S. develop cavities by the age of four. The earlier children learn good dental hygiene — including regular trips to the dentist — the less likely they are to develop dental problems later in life.
Children Should See A Dentist Before Their First Birthday
Your child’s first trip to the dentist should take place soon after their first tooth appears. Most experts recommend that you schedule your child’s first dental visit within six months of the appearance (eruption) of their first tooth or by their first birthday at the latest.
Finding A Family Dentist In San Marcos, TX
Who should you select to be your child’s first dentist? Your child’s initial visits to the dentist will play a big role in how they react to going to dental when they get older. A positive experience will encourage your child to look forward to the regular dental visits needed to maintain their oral health. A negative experience could have just the opposite effect, causing them to avoid the dentist and necessary dental care.
The Dental Space is a popular choice for parents in San Marcos, TX. Dr. McCartor and his staff have the experience necessary to provide effective infant dental care and keep a child comfortable and responsive during an examination. They’re dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for young patients that takes the fear out of going to the dentist.
What Should You Expect During Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment At The Dental Space?
For the best results, schedule the examination for a time when your child is alert and in a good mood. Make sure they’re well-rested and fed before the appointment to ensure the best chance of a great experience. You may want to bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal along to help keep your child at ease.
Your baby’s first dental visit to The Dental Space will usually last between 30 and 45 minutes. Before he begins the examination, Dr. McCartor will explain exactly what he’s going to do and why, and show them any tools he’ll be using. A father himself, Dr. McCartor has the childcare skills to keep your child at ease during the examination, even if they’re a little fussy.
Dr. McCartor will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaws, checking their growth and development. Your child may also require dental cleaning. Unlike an adult examination, X-rays are not a routine part of a child’s dental exam. The dentist will only take X-rays if it’s absolutely necessary to diagnose a potential dental problem.
Once the exam is completed, Dr. McCartor will share his findings and make treatment recommendations. He can also answer any questions you may have about teething, good dental nutrition, brushing and oral care, pacifier use, finger sucking habits, and other issues affecting your child’s dental health.
Why The Dental Space?
As soon as you see your child’s reaction when they enter The Dental Space, you’ll realize that we’re a different kind of family dentist clinic. We’ve created an environment that puts your child instantly at ease. Instead of a drab waiting room full of year-old magazines and a TV stuck on a news channel, our reception area features a colorful collection of superhero-themed video games, your child’s favorite movies on multiple large screen TVs, and cool Star Wars memorabilia. We want your child to look forward to their trip to the dentist.
We provide the finest dental care to our young patients. Dr. McCartor and his staff have years of experience treating younger patients. We’re pros when it comes to putting children of all ages at ease when they sit in the dentist’s chair.
The Dental Space Is The Place For Outstanding Family Dental Care In San Marcos, TX
At San Marcos, TX family dental clinic The Dental Space, we specialize in providing expert dental care to patients of all ages — even those as old as six months! Dr. McCartor and the staff of The Dental Place are dedicated to making that first visit a positive experience for you and your child.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, or your child is approaching their first birthday, call us to schedule an appointment today. We provide a full range of family dental services, including checkups and cleanings, extractions, bridgework, teeth whitening, crowns, fillings, and more. Contact us through our website or call us at 512-667-9770 to schedule an appointment today.
The Dental Space is located in the heart of San Marcos, just off IH 35 in the Springtown Center Shopping Mall. We accept Medicaid and CHIP, as well as most PPO plans, and offer patients a wide range of payment options.
