Like their first haircut, a child’s first dental appointment is cause for excitement and, for many parents, a little anxiety as well!
The Super Dentists, San Diego’s most trusted pediatric dentistry, is here to help answer some questions about your kids first dental visit, including:
- When should a baby have their first dentist appointment?
- What to expect at your baby’s first dentist appointment?
- What’s the best way to prepare for your child’s initial dental visit?
- And much more
We’ve helped hundreds of families get through their kids’ first dental experience, and our highly trained pediatric dental experts are here to ease anxiety, build confidence and help establish lifelong, positive dental care habits.
When Should a Baby Have Their First Dental Appointment?
One of the most common questions we receive is: when should a baby have a first dentist appointment?
It’s a great question, with a simple answer. The Super Dentists recommends that a child’s first dental appointment should occur no later than their first birthday. During this visit, we’ll review important aspects of children’s dental health, including issues like teething and thumb sucking, along with helpful tips on locking in healthful dietary habits and other important behaviors to focus on.
Looking ahead, you should also take your child to the dentist at age 4 and age 7. If you wait too long for your kid’s first dental visit, existing problems can hinder early childhood dental habits, so it’s best to address them quickly by scheduling an appointment. You can also give us a call at 1 (855) GO SUPER.
What to Expect at Toddler’s First Dentist Appointment
So you’ve scheduled your kid’s first dental appointment – now what? As the anticipation builds, you might wonder “What do they do at baby’s first appointment?”
Most of your baby’s first dentist appointment is a simple information-gathering exercise. It’s also an informal meet and greet between the pediatric dentist and your child. Many parents expect a flurry of dental activity during the first visit only to find out there was no reason to worry.
Here’s what you can expect at your child’s first dental appointment:
- A friendly introduction.
- A brief exam of your child’s teeth. Our pediatric dentist will assess their teeth, along with the gum line and jaw development.
- For children a year old (or close to a year), a brief dental cleaning may also be performed.
Common treatments may include methods to reduce finger sucking, how to properly manage teething and other issues related to baby/toddler dental care. While these treatments aren’t required for every patient, they might be administered to your child.
Plus, we’ll also schedule your child’s second dental appointment.
How to Prepare for a Baby’s First Dentist Appointment?
Keep your child in a positive frame of mind prior to their first dental visit. You should also encourage your child to brush prior to the initial appointment, as this gives them a point of reference and some familiarity in advance of the big day.
For parents, here are some ways to prepare:
- Get a list of questions together. Remember – there are no “bad” questions when it comes to your kid’s first dental visit!
- Give your child a brief visual exam – you might find an issue or two that needs addressing.
- Set aside plenty of time. Take a half-day of vacation, or do whatever you have to in order to ensure your child has plenty of time before, during and after your baby’s first dentist appointment to answer questions, provide encouragement, etc.
Establish a Dental Routine
Now that you know when a baby should have their first dentist appointment, how to prepare for the visit and what happens during, it’s time to extend the knowledge you’ll learn in-office to the home, and that means establishing a sustainable, easy to follow dental care routine for your child.
After your kid’s first dental visit, make sure they brush at least twice per day (younger children will need assistance), and, once their teeth fully come in, incorporate flossing as well. The Super Dentists has a great article on this very subject – check it out today!
We’re here for you and your entire family, from your children’s first dental visit and well beyond! Book an appointment with The Super Dentists today, and if you have any questions about your upcoming visit or anything else, call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER. You can also shoot us a text message at 1 (844) 765-1234.
Visit us today and see why 1 in every 5 San Diego children is a Super Dentists kid!
