Chalet Dental Care Explains What Happens at the Children's 1st Dental Appointment

Chalet Dental Care, a dental clinic in St Paul, MN, has recently released a blog post that explains what happens at the children's first dental appointment. A child’s first dental appointment is of key importance and the American Dental Association recommends that babies have their first dental appointment when they are one year old. This is important because tooth decay can occur in baby teeth. And during this first dental appointment, the dentist will also educate the parents on the value of a child’s oral health and how to properly manage their baby’s dental hygiene. It is also important for children to get accustomed to sitting in a dental chair while they are still young.

Dr. Brent Fredrickson, owner of Chalet Dental Care, says, “At Chalet Dental Care in St. Paul, MN, we are a qualified healthcare provider for your child’s oral hygiene, and we are excited to be your child’s dentist. See one of our doctors today and find out how we can help your child with their oral health needs. As we have said, primary care physicians and the leading dental associations recommend that your child visits the dentist for the first time by their first birthday. It should certainly be within six months of the first tooth’s appearance. Chalet Dental Care ensures that you and your child have a pleasant experience during that first appointment, so your child is willing to return for future appointments without fighting.”

As experts in children's dentistry, they advise parents to prepare their child for the first dental visit. Parents can do this by discussing dental health and the fun their child can experience at the dentist’s office. It is important to tell children what to expect but to avoid getting into the details of those things that may not provide them with a pleasant experience. Emphasis should be made on the benefits of going to the dentist, such as maintaining their beautiful teeth.

During the children’s first dental visit, the dental team at Chalet Dental Care will ensure that it will be a happy visit. They will introduce the child to the dental office and allow them to take a “ride” in the dental chair. Next, they will conduct an oral screening, assess the child’s dental growth and development, and evaluate risk for cavities. They will discuss with the parents instructions for oral hygiene, feeding, and dietary issues, and review the information provided on oral habits and dental trauma. Most children will want to lie on their parent’s lap during the examination at that very young age. If they appear to be cooperative or as they grow a bit older, the dentists will perform a complete dental and oral exam, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment. Dental x-rays may also be taken depending on the child’s age and needs.

Chalet Dental Care has three dentists, who with their highly trained and caring team, deliver dental care and cosmetic dentistry services. The compassionate and skilled dentists are Dr. Brent Frederickson, Dr. Trish Rieck, and Dr. Ryan Nahan. Dr Frederickson obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Iowa. He has been in Chalet Dental Care since 1997 and has taken over the ownership of the practice in 2001. He has been regularly investing in advanced equipment and technology for advanced patient care, and he continues to keep himself up-to-date on the latest developments through seminars and continuing education. Dr. Rieck finished her BA in Biology from the College of St. Benedict and her DDS from the University of Minnesota College of Dentistry. She has been at Chalet Dental Care for more than 20 years. Dr. Nahan got his BS in Biology and his DDS from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He has been practicing in the Twin Cities before becoming part of Chalet Dental Care in February 2022.

People who are looking for a St. Paul dental clinic can visit the Chalet Dental Care website or contact them on the telephone or through email. They are open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday; and from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm on Fridays.