Make the most of your child’s first dental visit.

The first dental visit is a big milestone for your child, and it can be overwhelming for both of you. However, this appointment marks the beginning of developing good oral health habits and sets the stage for positive future dental experiences.

Many young children are fearful of unfamiliar settings, especially medical offices. So you may be tempted to skip this visit when they’re small, but once baby teeth begin erupting, your little one needs to have their first dental visit. These appointments help identify problems early on and protect their teeth. 

It is never too late to schedule that first appointment, but it also helps to know what to expect. Read on to learn more!

When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

You may be surprised to know that it’s generally recommended for children to visit the dentist by their first birthday. After all, there aren’t many teeth in their mouth, so what could their dentist possibly be looking for? This is one of the most common questions parents ask when taking their baby to the dentist. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling appointments by a child’s first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. This first visit establishes the importance of oral care and allows the dental team to review important aspects of your child’s dental health. 

In addition to offering tips on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy and clean, they may also discuss:

• Teething
• Finger-sucking habits
• Baby bottle tooth decay
• Pacifier habits

If you wait too long to schedule this first appointment, existing problems may hinder your child’s dental development. 

Before the Appointment

Preparing your child for their first appointment can help make them feel more comfortable visiting the dental office. Read on for a few simple ways to get them ready. 

Read Books about Dental Visits

You can find many children’s books about visiting the dentist online or at your local library, including picture books and early readers. These books can walk children through the whole experience from start to finish, helping to alleviate anxiety and make them feel more comfortable about their first dental visit.

Watch Kid-Friendly Videos

Another great way to prepare for their first appointment is to watch videos of other children visiting the dentist. Seeing other positive experiences can make it feel more comfortable and less scary.

Know What to Bring

If you’re prepared, the check-in process will go much more smoothly. Consider bringing the following items for a seamless experience:

• Medical history
• Insurance information
• A comfort item, like a stuffed animal

In addition, be sure to write down any concerns you may have about your child’s teeth and oral habits so you know what you want to ask the pediatric dentistry team.

During the Appointment

Pediatric dentistry in Salem is a gentle, fun way for kids to learn about keeping their teeth clean. The office is full of exciting things for kids, like lots of colors, fun chairs, and games to play while they wait. 

Once your child is in the dental chair, their dentist will check their baby teeth, gums, and jaw development in a gentle, engaging way that doesn’t make it feel like a medical appointment. They’ll also be sure to use easy-to-understand words to explain what is happening. Sometimes, the first visit also includes a teeth cleaning. It might be as simple as using a child’s toothbrush to get them familiar with the sensation, or for bigger kids, they might meet a hygienist for a more complete cleaning.

After the Appointment

Once the appointment is complete, every member of your child’s dental team will offer positive reinforcement and praise your child for a job well done. They may give your child a prize, like a sticker or a small toy to celebrate a good visit. Based on your child’s needs, their dentist may also discuss any recommendations, such as fluoride or how to improve your child’s brushing. The dentist will then tell you how often you should schedule routine appointments.

Tips for Parents

Your attitude as a parent can influence how your child feels about their upcoming dental visit. Do your best to mask your dental fears or anxiety and focus on creating a positive experience for them. Stay calm and encouraging because if you’re relaxed and positive, your child will be too!

Answer their questions without going into explicit detail, and do your best to avoid words like “pain” and “needle.” Most of the time, the first dental visit doesn’t involve any shots or discomfort. 

It could also be helpful for you to show excitement about your upcoming dental appointment. Perhaps you can even take them with you so they can see what happens and become more familiar with the sounds of a dental office and the instruments used to clean teeth.  

Get a good start for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

At Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, we do our absolute best to make your child’s first dental visit a positive and stress-free experience. We have a high-tech approach and offer child-centered care to help your little one feel safe, happy, and excited about their smile. 

Are you ready to schedule a visit? Contact us today and start building a strong foundation for your child’s oral health.