The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by his or her first birthday, and Drs. Rowland, Selecman, and Daniel agree. Children’s Dental Center want this first visit to be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your child! Each member of our staff is committed to providing a pleasant and comfortable environment, one that gives us the opportunity to build trust and put your child at ease during future dental visits with us.
What to expect at your child’s first dental visit
If your child is under the age of two, the first visit will normally be quick, involving little to no treatment. We like to treat this initial visit as a non-threatening way for children to meet and get to know our dentists in a friendly setting. This helps them to feel comfortable with our staff, and prepares them for regular visits throughout childhood and adolescence.
If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist, encourage them to discuss any fears or anxiety they may be feeling, and reassure them that everything will be explained to them in detail during their appointment, and that we will be happy to answer any questions they may have. As pediatric dentists, we’re experienced in dealing with anxious children, and are able to explain all our treatment procedures in a calming, positive manner to keep any negative feelings from forming about dentists and dental appointments.
We ask that you complete our First Visit forms prior to arriving for your child’s first visit. During the appointment, we will record your child’s dental and medical history, perform a comprehensive examination, and then discuss any of the following topics with you and your child are:
- good oral hygiene practices for healthy teeth and cavity prevention
- fluoride needs
- oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and lip sucking
- developmental milestones and issues
- teething
- proper nutrition
- the importance of regular dental checkups
Depending on the age of your child, we will either do a lap exam with their head in the doctor’s lap and their body on yours, or an exam in a regular dental chair. During this exam, one of our dentists will check all of your child’s existing teeth for any decay, examine their bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. Educating parents on dental developmental issues and the basics of oral health in children are important parts of this initial visit. We may also clean the teeth and assess the need for fluoride, as well as discuss the basics of oral health care for children.
Scheduling a visit with Children’s Dental Center for your child before they turn one is the first step in ensuring a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!