Child's First Visit
Patient educationChild's First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child’s first dental visit around their first birthday. First visits can be stressful for parents, especially those with dental phobias of their own, so keep your messages about the dentist positive and help your child feel happy about going.
How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?
You can help your child feel at ease:
- Bring another adultInfants can get fussy during the exam; a second adult can soothe them while you ask questions.
- Leave other children at homeWhen possible, it makes the visit less stressful for everyone.
- Avoid threatening wordsLike our staff, steer clear of words such as “drills,” “needles,” “injections” and “bleeding.”
- Keep explanations positive“The dentist helps keep teeth healthy” is far better than talk of finding decay and drilling.
- Explain what will happenKnowing what to expect greatly reduces anxiety, and age-appropriate books can make the visit seem fun.
Parent- and dentist-approved books:
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
- Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi
- Elmo Visits the Dentist (Sesame Street)
What will happen during the first visit?
The goals are for the dentist and your child to get acquainted, check tooth and jaw development and overall health history, evaluate the teeth and gums, and answer your questions about a good oral care routine. A typical “well baby checkup” goes like this:
- The team greets you and your child
- We review the infant and family health history, sometimes with questionnaires
- The dentist answers your questions and concerns
- We ask about oral habits, pacifier use, development, tooth alignment and diet
- The dentist advises on oral care, injury prevention, fluoride intake and sippy cups
- The dentist examines the teeth, with your baby’s head cradled in the dentist’s lap, facing you
- We demonstrate good brushing and flossing
- The dentist explains your child’s oral health and recommends habits, toothpastes and toothbrushes, orthodontically correct pacifiers and diet
- The dentist describes which teeth may appear in the coming months
- We outline the appointment schedule and what happens next time
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office.
Healthy Smiles from the Start: English
A short video from the American Dental Association.
Why See a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists (or pedodontists) are qualified to meet the dental needs of infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents.Why Are Primary Teeth Important?
Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy.Care for Your Child's Teeth
Pediatric oral care has two main components: preventative care at the dentist’s office and preventative care at home.How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?
Twice-yearly dental visits for children, starting about six months after the first tooth appears, and what each checkup covers.Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life.Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.