Pediatric Dentistry
At Viva Dental Victoria, we feel it is very important for all children to have a positive experience when visiting the dentist - especially on their first visit!
When planning your child's first visit there are a number of things to consider. A child’s age, dental concerns, individual personality, and comfort level are important to think about in order to make the visit as positive as possible.
The British Columbia Dental Association recommends that children have their first visit by their first birthday. At their first appointment, we will take a quick look in their mouth to check for any issues and answer any questions that you may have. It's important to establish these good habits early in life!
Roughly 60% of children age 5 to 17 are affected by dental decay, a disease caused by bacterial infection - it is one of the most common chronic childhood disorders.
- Canadian Dental Association -
If your child is over one year old, you can bring them in for a "ride" in the dental chair. If your child is co-operative, we will check their teeth and do a tooth polish and fluoride treatment. We will also discuss nutrition, oral habits, and assess the development of their face, mouth and teeth.
Sometimes it takes a couple of visits to accomplish a full assessment, but we feel it is important to create a positive environment for your child and go at a pace that is comfortable for them.
If your child is anxious about their appointment, you may consider:
- Talking to them about how important it is to visit the dentist
- Bringing along their favourite blanket or toy
- Reading some children's books about visiting the dentist
- Planning something special for after their appointment
We want every child to feel special during their appointment and excited about coming back!
