Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit shortly after their first birthday. This initial visit is typically brief and focuses on familiarizing your child with the dental office while performing a gentle examination of their teeth and gums. Depending on your child’s comfort level, you may be asked to hold them during the exam, or we may invite you to step out for a moment to allow your child to build a relationship with the dentist.

During the visit, we will check your child’s gums and teeth for any signs of early concerns. X-rays may be taken to check for decay and to monitor the development of their permanent teeth. We will also perform a gentle cleaning, apply fluoride to protect the teeth, and review your child’s at-home oral care routine with you.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit:

It’s natural to wonder how to prepare your child for their first dental appointment. We recommend getting your child excited and comfortable by treating it like any other new experience, such as a first haircut or shopping for shoes. Here are some tips to make the first visit a fun and positive experience:

• Consider taking your child for a “preview” visit to the office to meet the team and see the environment.
• Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist.
• Talk about the dentist visit in a positive light, sharing your own experiences.
• Let your child know that the dentist will check their teeth and gums and make sure their smile stays healthy.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit:

• A thorough examination of your child’s teeth and gums.
• Assessment of any oral habits like thumb-sucking.
• Evaluation to ensure they are getting enough fluoride.
• Education on brushing and flossing techniques.
• A discussion on scheduling regular visits to maintain healthy teeth.

Preventive Care for Your Child’s Smile:

At our practice, we believe that tooth decay doesn’t have to be a part of childhood. Our goal is to set the foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health through preventive measures. We use the latest in dental technology, such as dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect them from decay.

Cavity Prevention:

Cavities often develop due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of regular brushing. Limiting sugar and brushing frequently can go a long way in preventing cavities. When your child eats, bacteria in the mouth digest sugars, causing an acid reaction that can damage teeth. This reaction lasts about 20 minutes, and during this time, the acid can erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Additionally, the consistency of your child’s saliva plays a role in cavity prevention. Thicker saliva, often seen in children with diets high in sugars and carbs, is less effective at washing away food particles and bacteria.

Tips for Preventing Cavities:

• Limit the frequency of snacks and meals.
• Encourage regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
• Be mindful of sugary drinks.
• Avoid sticky foods.
• Make treats part of meals instead of between meals.
• Offer nutritious snacks to support oral health.

Teething and Development:

Your child’s first teeth, typically the bottom front teeth, will begin to emerge around 6 to 8 months of age. The remaining teeth will follow in pairs along the sides of the jaw, usually appearing until your child is about 2 ½ years old.

By the age of 2 ½, most children will have all 20 baby teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will start to come in, replacing some of the baby teeth. Don’t worry if some teeth come in earlier or later than expected—every child develops at their own pace.

It’s important to take care of your child’s baby teeth as they not only help with chewing, speech, and appearance but also hold space for the permanent teeth that will follow. A healthy diet and daily brushing routine are essential to maintaining your child’s dental health.