First Visit
First Visit
When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
Many parents might question and wonder what the best age is to take their child to the dentist for the first time. We recommend that you take your child to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by your child’s first birthday. It is never too soon to think about your child’s oral health!
If you have questions about your child’s dentistry needs, call us today to speak with our dental professionals!
Do I Need to Take My Baby to the Dentist?
Bringing your baby to the dentist around their first birthday might seem like an early age to a parent. However, more than 20% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities.
Children who visit the dentist by their first birthday are less likely to have tooth decay than children who wait until they are older. If cavities or tooth decay start to develop, we will be able to treat it early to prevent infections and other complications that could arise.
What Happens at My Child’s First Dental Checkup?
Depending on the age of your child, attending the dentist can be a scary experience for them. We provide a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for your child’s first dental experience.
At their first dental checkup, we will examine your child’s teeth. We will look for signs of tooth decay and other conditions that might require special care. Depending on your child, and how old they are, we might perform a cleaning. If you suspect a problem, be sure to bring it up during your visit.
This visit is primarily an important educational opportunity for parents. We will provide you with information on how to properly care for your baby’s teeth and gums. This is the time to ask any questions you might have about your child’s oral healthcare. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
We are excited for you to choose us as your child’s dental care provider! Call us today to schedule their first appointment!
Tips to Make Your Child’s Dental Visit Easier
Some children take coming to the dentist a little harder than others. Remember, they have never been to the dentist before, so this is all a new experience for them. To help alleviate any potential anxiety or worries, here are some tactics to try before and during the appointment:
- Read and role play: Read picture books about visiting the dentist and encourage your child to play “dentist” with their stuffed animal or doll.
- Use positive language: When speaking with your child, try to avoid speaking negatively or in technical detail about the visit. Explain that the dentist helps build healthy strong teeth.
- Come prepared: It is okay to bring comfort toys and distractions for the waiting room and the dentist’s chair.
- Plan a reward or treat: A simple trip to the playground after the dentist or going out for an ice cream cone afterward is a positive thing for your child to look forward to.
- Stay relaxed: Your child can sense if you are anxious or nervous about their visit. Staying cheerful and calm helps set the tone for your child to be calm as well.
- Be a good cheerleader: During the visit, try to praise your child whenever you can by saying things like “Great job opening wide!” Try not to be critical if they are having a hard time cooperating.
How Often Do I Bring My Child to the Dentist?
Based on how your child’s teeth look, we will let you know when you need to set your next visit. We usually recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months as long as there are no major problems. Be sure to schedule your next appointment on your way out the door!
The Dentist Can Be Fun!
It is important that as adults, we help children not to have negative associations with the dentist. Be careful about passing your own fears about the dentist along to them. We hope that we can provide a fun experience for your child and make the dentist a good experience for them.
Call and Set Up your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Get your child’s oral health journey started on the right track! Give us a call at Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry today to set up your child’s first dental checkup! We are happy to answer any questions you might have about your child’s oral health needs.