A Child’s First Visit
Your Child’s First Visit
SETTING THEM UP FOR A HEALTHY SMILE
Starting dental visits early in your child’s life will encourage positive associations with dental care throughout childhood. It also helps create healthy oral health habits that will serve them well for many years to come. Kids who grow up going to the dentist and taking care of their teeth tend to continue that care and attention into adulthood.
That very first dental visit is a crucial milestone in your child’s oral health journey and helps to establish a strong foundation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a child visit the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth or no later than age 1. We support that recommendation and suggest bringing your little one in as soon as their first tooth comes in.
What to Expect
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
When you bring your child into Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry for their first visit, they will receive a warm and friendly welcome from our caring team. We provide a relaxed environment that makes dental visits fun for kids.
This first visit is about helping your child become familiar with our team and get used to the idea of dental care. We will do a knee-to-knee evaluation, letting your child lie in your lap while we take a look at their teeth and gums. This helps give them an added sense of comfort and security as they get used to the dental setting.
At the very first visit, your child’s hygienist typically also cleans the teeth, but we will be guided by what your child is able to tolerate. We understand this is a new experience and that all kids are different. Tailoring your child’s treatment to what they need most is an important part of our approach to pediatric dentistry.
Even if your child has a consistent and effective at-home routine, regular professional cleanings are important for their long-term oral health. We use special instruments and techniques to remove hidden plaque and hardened tartar a regular toothbrush and floss simply can’t.
Our team will explain what’s happening at every step in your child’s dental visit. We will also provide advice and resources to help you support your child’s healthy habits at home. With decades of experience delivering child-centered dental care, our team will make sure your child has a comfortable, stress-free visit.
Appointments for Older Kids
TODAY IS THE BEST DAY TO START
If your child is older than 2 and hasn’t yet been to the dentist, don’t be afraid to make an appointment. It’s never too late to start them on the right track.
First appointments for older kids are usually in the chair unless they are of toddler age and feel more comfortable sitting on your lap. For kids around age 3, we will take digital radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate their oral health and check for cavities between the teeth. Younger children will only require radiographs if there are particular issues, such as dental trauma, that necessitate further evaluation. Our team will also perform a full professional cleaning once your child feels comfortable. Otherwise, we can schedule this for a future appointment.
Our Children’s Dental Services:
Prevent Complex Issues
Create Positive Experiences
Develop Healthy Oral Habits
Getting Ready for the First Appointment
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Preparing your child (and yourself) for the first dental visit helps both of you have a great experience. Here are 7 tips to support you in this process:
- Start talking about it early. Tell your child what going to the dentist means and why it’s important to brush and floss their teeth.
- Explain what happens at dental visits. You can role-play this or just demonstrate it in an engaging way. Tell them the dentist will ask them to open their mouth and clean their teeth.
- Use simple language they will understand.
- Find some age-appropriate books featuring your child’s favorite characters visiting the dentist and taking care of their teeth.
- Look up YouTube videos or TV episodes of their favorite characters talking about oral health and going to the dentist.
- Focus on using positive language so that your child will be excited about dental visits.
- Make brushing fun. Let them pick out their own toothbrush from the store to excite them about taking care of their teeth.
Today is the best day to start your child’s journey to their healthiest smile.
Are you ready to make a dental appointment for your child?
Afford Your Care
Brocks Gap Dental Group accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and insurance as payment for your family's dental treatment.
Need a payment plan? No problem.
Flexible payment plans are available through CareCredit to help patients who need treatment beyond their insurance coverage. Terms and conditions apply.
Call our team today to find out more.