Question:
My son who is almost 3 is going to the dentist for the first time on
Saturday. We're older parents and didn't have the benefit of flouride
treatments or "sealents". Aside from the usual looking around to make sure
everything's where it should be, are there any treatments we can request
or inquire about to optimize his oral health?
Answer:
I don't think at age 3 there is anything in particular you should be
asking for... the cleaning and basic flouride treatment would be
sufficient. A good dentist should recommend only what's required.
I think the most important thing is to make sure the visit to the
dentist is pleasant and relaxed and that everything is explained to
your child. It is very weird to the child to go somewhere where
someone is poking around in their mouth along with the squirter thing
and the sucky straw.
Until recently we all went to the dentist as a group... when the kids
were little (2 to 3) they first watched mommy and daddy get worked on,
and then the hygenist would work on the kid while he was sitting on
mommy's or daddy's lap. And if dim deep memory serves me... the first
cleaning is just with the polishing (no sharp scrapey things).
So far none of the kids have had sealent put on. At ages 6, 10 and 12
there have been no cavities with just the twice yearly cleanings and
flouride treatments (and a certain parent's militant brushing policy...
which has something to do with his expensive crown experience).
I remember there were flouride treatments 30+ years ago
when I was a kid, at least those have changed to a less gaggy
applicator and the kids even get a CHOICE of flouride flavor (one child
favors chocolate, another orange... though they still have the dreaded
and awful cherry flavor which used to make me gag).
The first visit requires just a check up and making the child feel comfortable,
they do not do flouride on baby teeth but I do recommend sealants when the
child is old enough they usually do it when they get their permanent molars.
Some kids are just more prone to cavities back there and it helps and is no big
deal.
I worked for a pediatric dentist. The first visit is fairly simple.
They will take "pictures", x-rays of his teeth. Do a simple cleaning and
they should show and explain about all the instruments used for exam and
cleaning.. They will most likely use a topical flouride treatment, 3 yr.
olds have a tough time spitting out a rinse. Sealants are usually reserved
for permanent molars, so he will most likely not need those yet. This should
be a simple visit and not a lengthy one filled with unnecessary procedures,
as long as everything is healthy. Make sure you can go back with him, in
case he becomes insecure. If possible, find a book about going to the
dentist and read that to him a few days before the visit.
