What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist?

Dental visits often come along with fear and anxiety. Our dentists can help you get rid of anxiety and spread a positive vibe at your child’s dental checkup. At your child’s first dental visit to our office, you can expect the following:

First Tooth, First Visit
According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first visit to the dentist begin around the time they get their first tooth. The first visit allows your child to get familiar and with the passing time they get used to seeing the dentist and dental staff regularly. The more positive experience your child has, the more comfortable they will become with regular dental care.

Tooth decay can occur as your child’s first tooth appears. It is equally important to address the concerns initially on primary teeth else it could result in higher risk. If the decay is severe, it harms a child’s overall health, thereby leading to infection.

What to Expect at the First Visit
The first dental visit is all about introduction to the practice, dentists and hygienists. It is typically shorter and involves less treatment time.

After checking in, we will acquire information about the family and your kid’s dental health history. Once you provide us with the required information, you can be rest assured that the best dental care is provided.

Once your kid has been called by the assistant, we will take your family to the private room, providing privacy and comfort. Meanwhile your child will become familiar to the office. Depending on the age, our dentist will suggest x-rays.

Though x-ray may seem quite early, it is an important tool that helps in monitoring the growth and development of your child’s mouth, jaw and teeth. Owing to child’s continual growth and development, the ADA recommends x-rays at the age of 2, continuing for every 6-12 months.

X-ray helps in diagnosing problems that are barely visible with a naked eye, like tooth decay, damage to the mouth structure and dental injuries.

Our dentist will ask you to hold your child in your lap for brushing. Our assistant will then clean your child’s teeth with a motorized toothbrush, however if your child is fearful, they will manually clean your child’s teeth with a small toothbrush.

Once the teeth are cleaned, our dentist will perform an analysis by checking your child’s existing teeth for decay. They also examine bite and look for any potential gum problems. If there is still a need, our dentist will recommend fluoride.

Later on, our dentist will educate you and your child on implementing the proper brushing techniques. They will also discuss diet and fluoride needs and recommend oral care products to take care of teeth.

Tips for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Reward Good Behavior
Stay away from words like “pain” or “fear” and keep rewarding your child’s good behavior through positive reinforcement. To make your child’s experience a relaxing one, our dentists deliver care in a fun and friendly environment. They also keep praising the effort to reinforce and strengthen oral hygiene habits.

Be a Mentor
Set positive expectations before your child’s visit to the dentist. For doing the same, brush and floss with them altogether. Help them understand the importance of regular dental visits.

We would love to see you at our office. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards your child’s improved oral health.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.