Lap Exam Howell, NJ
It is recommended that you bring your child in to see Dr. Karan Estwick for the first time before his or her first birthday. What happens after that? What can you expect when your little one is one or two years old, and what should you be doing at home? At Howell Pediatric Dentistry in Howell, New Jersey, we love helping children start their smile journey on the right path so they can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth. Here are some important things to know about visiting our office before age three.
What You Need To Know About Pediatric Dentistry For Children Ages One And Two
Regular visits to our office help us make sure your child’s growing smile is developing just as it should. During these early years, your child’s teeth, gums, and bite change quickly. These visits allow us to check their teeth and make sure everything is coming in on schedule. If your child has not visited us before their first birthday, we recommend scheduling an appointment soon afterward. During early visits, we often perform what is called a lap exam. Your child sits comfortably on your lap while we gently lean them back to look at their teeth and gums. This cozy position helps children feel safe and secure while we check their mouth. Lap exams allow us to examine tooth development, gum health, and overall oral growth in a calm and playful way. These visits also give parents the chance to ask questions and learn helpful tips for caring for their child’s smile at home. We will guide you on what to expect next and recommend the best time for future checkups to keep your child’s smile bright and strong.
What You Can Do At Home
At home, you can begin teaching your child about brushing in a fun and positive way. Let your little one help pick out a soft-bristled toothbrush with a favorite color or character. This makes brushing feel like a special daily adventure instead of a chore. Use a very small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. If your child is still learning to spit, choose toothpaste without fluoride until they are ready. Brushing should happen twice each day, turning it into a fun routine like a morning and bedtime smile check. Maintaining a regular schedule for dental visits is also important. Most children benefit from visiting our office every six months. These consistent visits help protect your child’s smile through every stage of growth, from toddler years through adulthood.
What To Expect For Your Second Visit
Your child’s second visit usually takes place around 18 months of age. During this appointment, we again check your child’s mouth and monitor how their teeth and gums are developing. For many toddlers, the visit may still include a lap exam to help them feel comfortable while we take a close look at their growing smile. We take plenty of time to answer your questions and help your child feel relaxed and supported. By age two, some children are ready for a gentle teeth cleaning, sometimes called a “sparkle clean.” Other children may still feel unsure, and that is perfectly normal. If your child allows us to clean their teeth, offer lots of praise and encouragement to build confidence. Around this age, we also discuss nutrition and growing food choices. As your child begins trying new foods, we help guide families tow
ard tooth-friendly options that support healthy development and strong smiles. One important thing to remember is that children can sense their parents’ feelings. If you feel nervous about dental visits, try not to pass those worries along. Playing “dentist” at home with a stuffed animal can help your child feel more comfortable and familiar with visits. Every child grows and develops at their own pace, even within the same family. What one child is ready for may differ from another. Our goal is always to support your child’s unique smile journey with gentle care and encouragement. If you ever have questions, our team is always happy to help. We can be reached at (848) 329-5467.