Preventing Cavities with a Free Infant Dental Exam - Hardy Pediatric dentistry & Orthodontics

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Infant Oral Care Tips - Erie, CO

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics we want the best for your child just like you do which is why we offer a free infant dental exam for families! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children be seen for an exam as early as one year of age or within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth. We want to partner with you so that you can start this journey with your baby empowered with the best education and prevention strategies and tips we can offer you for success.

 

Why Does Your Child Need an Infant Dental Exam?

You want what’s best for your child. So do we! We want to create a dental home for your child that is safe, comforting, and that supplies gentle care.  An infant dental exam is for more than the exam.  Dental care and maintenance will be a part of your child’s life for her life. We want to help you establish healthy teeth, healthy habits, and a healthy relationship between her and her dentist. Empowering you with the information you need to treat your child in between visits can help you build a strong foundation of oral health from the very beginning. Our Erie, Colorado, families receive a free infant dental exam at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics because we know how important they are for the long-term health–both physical and emotional–of your child.

 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Urges Families to Schedule Early

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children be seen for an exam as early as one year of age or within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth. Just as you have a pediatrician looking out for the well-being of your child with pediatric training and skills at regular visits, Dr. Nam has the extra school and training that qualifies her as a pediatric dentist equipped to nurture your young child and give her what she needs.  We take our parent partnership seriously. Our care and your care is what will impact your child’s experience and oral health.

 

Infant Dental Exam Specifics

To prepare for an infant dental exam, we like to give our parents a clear picture of what is going to happen so they can feel calm and comfortable before and during the appointment.  We begin the infant dental exam with  a “knee-to-knee” position with Dr. Nam and the parent.  Since you may not be familiar with a “knee-to-knee” examination this is what is meant by it:  The child is able to stay in the comfort and security of the parent’s lap while Dr. Nam conducts the examination.  Dr Nam will sit facing the parent, with their knees touching.  The child will face their parent, with their legs wrapped around the parent’s waist. The child is then gently laid back into the dentist’s lap, while the parent holds their child’s hands over the child’s tummy.  Once the child is comfortable, Dr. Nam will begin an oral examination with a mirror and soft toothbrush. We do all we can to make your child comfortable, but it is not uncommon for a child to fuss or cry during an exam–not because of pain, but because they just don’t really want to be prodded.  Stay calm, the oral exam is short and without it we can’t assess your child’s oral health.   As a mom herself, Dr. Nam will do all she can to make your child feel as comfortable as possible during her assessment.  With gentle, reassuring methods and examining skills you can feel assured you are both in great hands with her specialized skills and training.

 

Call to Schedule Your Free Infant Dental Exam

Now is the time to schedule your child’s free infant dental exam. Don’t delay! Beginning early helps create positive relationships with oral care from the start. It also helps you to practice the best dental treatment–prevention!  Catch problems when they are small and stop them in their tracks. Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can help your child develop a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. To learn more about our children’s dental services or to schedule an appointment, call our Erie office today at 720-887-6003.