Preparing a child for the first dental visit

Many children aren’t seen by a dentist until they are at least 2-1/2 years old, which is much later than dentists and other medical professionals recommend.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or AAPD, recommends that parents bring their children in for a dental visit by at least one year of age, or within six months of getting teeth. Most infants start to get teeth by about six months.

This first dental visit is a way to start children early on practicing good oral health. Parents may not realize that these baby teeth are just as important as a child’s adult teeth.

Here are some tips for a tear-free first visit to the dentist:

Take an introductory field trip. Take your child to the dentist when it’s your turn in the dental chair, allowing your child to watch you get your teeth examined and cleaned.

Get books and videos about the dentist. Find books at your local library and videos online that are geared toward teaching children about oral health and the importance of dental visits. These can help prepare your child for what will happen when it’s his or her turn for a checkup.

Play dentist. Children learn through play, so pretend at home that you are visiting the dentist. Take turns examining each other’s teeth. Count your child’s teeth with a mirror so that your child understands what it will feel like when it’s time for the real dental visit.

Find a good time for an appointment. Most children will do much better with a morning dental appointment, rather than during the child’s naptime. You want to make sure your child feels relaxed and well-rested before the dental visit.

If what’s holding you back from making an appointment is a lack of funds, then AmeriPlan is here to help. AmeriPlan offers affordable discount dental plans that can provide dentist savings for your entire family. Save up to 85 percent on most common dental procedures, including routine exams and x-rays, for as low as $19.99 a month for the entire household.

Amrtiplan U.S.A requires no paperwork to file, no waiting and no age restrictions. Instead, you and your family can start saving money on your dental needs right away as an AmeriPlan member.

An initial oral exam on average costs $120, excluding x-rays. As an AmeriPlan member, you’ll pay $32, saving 73 percent. View Ameriplan fee schedule

If you have ongoing dental problems, AmeriPlan savings can be used as often as necessary at our more than 75,000 dentists who are part of the AmeriPlan nationwide network.

Before your child grows older and suffers from any tooth decay and other oral health problems, find out what AmeriPlan discount dental plans can do to help your family save money on the next trip to the dentist.  find an Ameriplan dentist in your area