The first thing that all parents need to know with regard to their child’s first dental visit is exactly when that should take place. The answer may surprise you. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents take their children in for their first dental visit by the age of 1. That’s because that is the age when children first begin to develop the risk of tooth decay. During that first visit, your dentist can explain the most effective way to care for your toddler’s teeth and gums, as well as making suggestions for the best diet for your child’s oral health and how to resolve any bad habits that your child may be forming, such as thumb sucking. You should plan on taking your child in for regular follow-up visits after that, the frequency of which will be decided by your dentist.
Before the first visit, prepare a list of any questions you may have for your dentist. It’s a good idea to ask the office staff to send you any forms that need to be filled out ahead of time, so you can focus completely on your child and your conversation with the dentist during the appointment. This first visit is intended to be as much of an informative visit for the parent as it is an oral exam of the child. Your dentist will review your child’s health history with you, and will discuss how your child is developing from an oral health perspective along with any issues that you may have noticed with your child – such as those revolving around teething or thumb sucking, for example.
Try to go into the visit with a positive, healthy mindset for the sake of your child. Remember that your little one has no dental anxiety or previous experience with the dentist, so as long as you’re at ease and relaxed, your child should be as well. A trained pediatric dentist understands how best to work with very young children. You may be surprised at your child’s reaction – he or she may actually enjoy the attention provided by an experienced pediatric dental professional!
It’s also important to keep your child occupied and as comfortable as possible during the visit. So plan on taking along something that is comforting and familiar to your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy, for example. And, of course, bringing a small snack and an extra diaper is always a good idea!
This first visit is an important one for your child. Remember that you’re setting up your little one for a lifetime of trips to the dentist. So do everything possible to make your child’s first trip as relaxing and as pleasant as can be. The less fearful they are of dental visits, the easier it will get to take them in the future!
