Your pediatrician has probably told you that your baby should have his or her first dental appointment by the age of one — or within six months after the first tooth comes in.
Part of preparing your child, who is still a baby, to be comfortable at the dentist, is to make sure that you are relaxed and comfortable too. And even though you may visit your own dentist twice or more times a year, you may not realize how overwhelmed it can feel the first time you have to take your child. So, mom and dad, here’s what to expect when you visit the dentist for the first time – with your baby. Everything will be fine!
Here’s what will likely happen at your baby’s first dental visit
The first trip should be short, and involves very little treatment. This visit is simply to give you and your child the chance to meet the dentist and get to know one another. We recommend you sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the exam. But if your child is ready, you can also choose to wait in the reception area, at least during part of the visit. That way, your child and his or her dentist can begin to develop a trusted, personal relationship.
About the exam
The dentist may do some or all of the following:
- Discuss your child’s health history with you
- Check all of your baby’s teeth for any signs of decay
- Take digital x-rays, depending on age
- Examine your child’s bite
- Look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues
- We will clean any teeth as necessary and assess the need for fluoride
This first visit is also a great time for parents to learn more about oral health care for children, discuss any dental development concerns you may have and answer your questions.
After that, we like to see our kids every six months so we can:
- Build up their comfort level
- Monitor their teeth development
- Treat any problems in a timely manner
Make you and your child’s first appointment today by calling 800-717-KIDS.
