What To Expect From Your Child’s First Dental Visit

First haircut, first word, first dental visit. Having a child is full of exciting firsts. Most are pretty obvious. It’s clear when Junior needs a haircut or when he says his first word. But what about the first dental appointment. When should our child start seeing a dentist?

It’s recommended that children start seeing a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting. Children tend to start teething around six months of age, however, your child may start earlier or later. The most important thing is to get him or her into the dentist after their first tooth sprouts so that the dentist can take a look and make sure baby’s mouth is developing healthily.

What’s The Purpose of The First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is designed to ensure your child is hitting various developmental mile markers and to get him or her comfortable with the dentist. Additionally, we’ll discuss how you can prevent dental injuries, what you might do if you experience a dental emergency, and how to properly brush your child’s teeth.

Often during the visit we will have parents hold the child while the dentist talks and interacts so that they know they can feel comfortable and at ease.

What Should I Expect During My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

During the first dental appointment the dentist will take a complete family history. She will discuss how to care for your baby’s mouth. She will also discuss proper use of fluoride and what the benefits of it are.

If your child has any habits like thumb sucking or finger sucker, the dentist will discuss when these habits become problematic. She will also discuss how you can stop these habits so that they don’t act as an impediment to your child’s growth.

Other topics of discussion will include teething and milestones, as well as a healthy diet and oral health.

Before The Exam

Prior to your child’s first dental exam make it a point to fill out the paper work and make a list of any questions or concerns you might have. In between interacting with the dentist and holding your child, you might find it difficult to remember all your questions. This is why we recommend writing everything down.

Choosing A Dentist For Your Child

When choosing a dentist for your child you want someone with extensive experience with children. You don’t want someone who your child will be uncomfortable with or who doesn’t know how to interact with children.

Additionally, look at online reviews from other parents who have taken their child to the dentist. At Comprehensive Dentistry you’ll notice many of our patients are children whose parents gave us the great honor of taking care of their oral needs.

If you’re looking for a dentist with extensive experience working with children, contact our team at Comprehensive Dentistry. Dr. Bullard is passionate about oral health and promoting it to children so that they grow into adults with great oral hygiene habits and healthy mouths.