05 Apr 2011 No Comments
Jordan’s First Dental Appointment
Babies should have their first dental appointment right around the first birthday but since the Small Fry only had 2 teeth when he was one, his pediatrician told us that we could wait until he’s 18 months before we bring him to the dentist.
So yesterday was a big day for Jordan. We took him for his very first dental appointment. It was mostly a consultation and check-up — the dentist checked his teeth to determine plaque build-up and gave us tips on proper brushing technique for toddlers. He showed us the most effective way to restrain the child for mom & dad tag-team brushing to get a better angle and cleaner teeth: have him sit on daddy’s lap, lean him back and wedge his head between daddy’s legs, holding his arms on his tummy while mommy’s brushing his teeth. It’s such a great position because you can actually see full range of his teeth!
Jordan did so well and of course, we are so proud of him! He even got a Super Patient Award token that we could use to get a toy at the vending machine on the way out – so cute!
I’m so glad that we started showing him how to brush teeth early avoiding major tooth-brushing battles. We had a brushing routine as early as when he was just an infant (we used soft cloth to wipe his gums).
If you have a toddler, I highly recommend that you bring your child to a pediatric dentist no matter how much you love your family dentist. Pediatric dentists receive special training, have specialized equipment that is child-sized, and they really make extra efforts to accommodate these little children who may be afraid.
We go to Pacific Pediatric Dentistry in Edmonds and we just love Dr. Sun! His clinic is super child friendly and has TV monitors on the ceiling to keep your kids entertained while having their teeth cleaned.
Here’s a list of Pediatric Dentists in the Seattle area in case you are looking for one.
1. Bhanji, Shamsi DDS, MSD
Seattle, WA 98133
206-523-9618
http://www.kidzdentalhaven.com
2. Lucas, Rogers DDS
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-774-1285
http://www.kidsdentist.com
3. Shenfield, Leland DDS
Millcreek, WA 98012
425-338-9773
http://www.millcreekkidsdentistry.com
4. Smutka, Steven & Way, Jon
Seattle, WA 98105
206-525-4777
http://www.dds-4-kids.com