Your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday. Taking children to the dentist early is important for cavity prevention and intervening in other dental issues before they become more severe. A child’s baby teeth are essential for their development. They play a role in eating, talking, and growing healthy permanent teeth.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child’s first dental appointment is as much about getting them comfortable with the dentist as anything. You’ll also learn about how to help your child maintain their oral health as they grow, and what to watch out for.
It’s essential to find a child-friendly dentist who has experience working with children and knows how to make them feel at ease. Early, positive dental visits are key to establishing a solid foundation for lifelong oral health.
During this first visit, the dentist will:
- Introduce themself and get to know your child.
- Show your child the dental tools.
- Very gently examine your child’s mouth and gums.
- Do a light cleaning.
- Offer education about cavity prevention, brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet that’s good for your child’s teeth.
Depending on your child’s age, you can talk to them at home about what’s going to happen at the dentist. Be sure to use positive language. You might even show them a book or video for kids about going to the dentist to make it feel familiar.
At Lonestar Smiles for Kids, we love working with children and would be happy to meet yours. Our caring team is dedicated to making your child’s first dental visit a positive experience. Consider scheduling an appointment to put your child on the path to oral health!