When should my child see the dentist for the first time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive their first dental examination by their first birthday. It is important by that time, no matter how few teeth a child may have, to start a regiment of good oral health. Starting early allows for your child to become familiar and comfortable with the dentist from a young age and makes subsequent visits more enjoyable.
How should I prepare my child for the first visit?
No matter your child’s age or past dental experiences, a visit to a new dental office can cause some anxiety. The best way you can help to prepare your child for his/her first visit is to speak about it in a very calm and positive manner. Emphasize to your child that the dental office is filled with nice and friendly people that are excited to meet them and help keep them be healthy. You do not have to go into any depth on procedures with your children as we have fun simple explanations for everything that we do. We will walk them through each step of a procedure, allowing them to see, touch and hear exactly what we are talking about. Please try to avoid expressing any dental fears or negative experiences you may have had in the past.
If you feel it may make your child more comfortable, we welcome you to drop by for a tour and meet our team prior to your visit!
What can I expect during the first visit?
As a pediatric dental office, our staff is used to and loves working with little ones! The first visit is designed to be mostly informative with a thorough, quick examination to provide information for proper home care and for early detection of any cavities.
We will spend time talking with you about your child and any concerns you may have. We will review your child’s medical and dental history, and examine your child gently. If appropriate, we may recommend additional treatment such as a cleaning, fluoride and/or x-rays if needed. Based on our findings, we will design a personalized program of home care for your child, including brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, discuss any recommended treatment and treatment options.
Remember, regular checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!
