dentist |ˈdɛntɪst| noun a person who is qualified to treat diseases and other conditions that affect the teeth and gums, especially the repair and extraction of teeth and the insertion of artificial ones.

You can take your child to the dentist as soon as they start getting their baby teeth to ensure they are maintaining healthy teeth and gums (According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, they recommend a child’s first appointment to be as early as 1-2 years old!). Field checks our children’s teeth often, so I haven’t stressed too much about getting them into the office, but Field Christian is just starting to understand the importance of brushing each morning and night, so we knew it was time to get him his first appointment.

MINT does a great job with first-timers, and Field Christian loved wearing his bright green headphones and shades (he said he looked like his daddy from the billboard *LOL*). The staff at the Mockingbird Dallas location was so sweet and accommodating, making any fear he had of getting into that big chair melt away!

I remember being so afraid of the dentist when I was younger, I would close my mouth and refuse to open it for what seemed like an eternity. Field Christian was much more brave than I was, and I was extremely proud of him for his great attitude!

10 Tips for you first-time mom’s taking your first-time kiddos:

  1. Find an amazing dentist! Luckily, you don’t have to look too far! Mint Dentistry is happy to serve you and all the little members of your family!
  2. Discuss good, oral hygiene habits with your child before and after the dental visit. Your dentist will also inform your child of these habits, but it’s good for them to hear it from more than one source!
  3. Baby Field wasn’t afraid of the dentist (because he has visited our offices often), but many children are. You can help your child with their fear of the dentist by encouraging them that the dentist is their friend, just like a doctor or a nurse.
  4. After their first check up (as early as they get their baby teeth in), you should make your follow-up appointment every six months to a year (once a year should be fine until their baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth start to come in).
  5. It’s always fun for kids when they walk away from the experience with a prize bag, snack or samples. Our dentists provide toothbrushes, sample floss, mouthwash and toothpaste, and other little goodies that make your children feel like they won the lottery.
  6. Try to stop sucking habits as soon as possible while children are still young, because these can lead to potential tooth misalignment and a need for braces in the future.
  7. Choose a soft, kid-sized toothbrush and fun, flavored floss to make the experience fun for your child. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months!
  8. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids under 8 years old brush their teeth with parents’ help. I know how difficult it can be when your kids want to do things on their own (Camila is already in this stage!), so teach them the right way to do it to ensure healthy teeth and gums!
  9. Most importantly, teach your kids the importance of not consuming too many sugary drinks and candy! There are so many better, organic fresh options out there for us anyway – and those healthier options are probably what us mommies and daddies should be eating anyway! Haha!  (Baby Field is very active in sports.  Up until recently, he started drinking Gatorade that other parents and coaches would give him.  As you know, it’s really common to drink Gatorade among athletes! However, his dentist noticed and said he would start developing cavities if he continued to drink it. Now, we only allow him to drink water to stay hydrated for his games! He doesn’t seem to miss it.) 

Hope these tips are helpful for you and your child on their first trip to the dentist! Remember to brush and floss twice a day, and

Click here to make your first appointment, and let them know Sabrina sent you!

XO-
Sabrina