Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important step towards building proper lifelong dental care. You, Dr. Sarah, Dr. Kristen and their dental team can do many things to protect your child from dental disease.

By starting regular dental visits at an early age and helping your child to establish good habits through your own example – you can help your child have strong, healthy teeth throughout his life.

You can help prevent tooth decay by starting your child’s dental checkups at an early age. It is beneficial for the first dental visit to occur within six months of eruption of the first tooth and no later that the child’s first birthday. Consider your child’s first visit as a “well baby checkup” for his teeth.

Dr. Sarah and Dr. Kristen say that you can play a large part in preparing your child for their first dental visit. Try to act relaxed and at ease yourself. Your child will probably sense any anxiety on your part. Tell your child that the dentist will “count” and “take pictures” of his teeth. Do not use any fear provoking words such as “hurt, drill, pull and needle.” Avoid statements like “the doctor will not hurt you.” (If I say to you, “Do not think of a banana,” the first thing you will think of is a banana! It is the same with the word “hurt.”)

The staff and the doctors will thoroughly explain each of our procedures to your child in terms that he can understand before doing them. Be assured that we will treat your child as gingerly as we would treat our own. However, some children will cry, as this is a normal response to a strange situation.

At this visit, we will emphasize oral hygiene techniques to be practiced by both you and your child. We will answer any questions you or your child may have. A full examination of the teeth and supporting structures will be done and the occlusion (bite) will be evaluated. Radiographs (x-rays) will be taken as necessary (not routinely) to assure a thorough and comprehensive examination.

During the visit, the assistant will show you how to properly clean your child’s teeth. Dr. Sarah or Dr. Kristen will discuss fluoride needs and recommend oral care products. The doctor will then check for problems, such as baby bottle tooth decay and evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking.

If your toddler has never had a dental checkup, explain to the child that Dr. Sarah and Dr. Kristen are friendly dentists who take care of teeth. Talk about the visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way, as you would about any important new experience. A visit to the dentist can be a pleasant experience for your child.

For toddlers, Dr. Sarah or Dr. Kristen will gently examine their teeth and gums, checking for decay and other problems. If necessary, your child’s teeth are cleaned, or a follow-up appointment may be scheduled.

Dr. Sarah and Dr. Kristen prefers to see young patients in the morning when children are rested and cooperative. Morning appointments are less likely to conflict with mealtimes and naps. Because you are most familiar with your child’s habits, you can schedule a time that is comfortable and convenient for both of you.

Children’s oral health needs differ and our doctors are best able to recommend a schedule of dental checkups. Most children need to be seen on a regular 6 month preventive visit schedule. Some children, however, may need more frequent visits. The frequency of dental examinations depends on many factors such as child’s eating habits, how clean the teeth are, and whether they drink fluoridated water to name a few. Many factors that can affect a child's overall susceptibility to dental diseases.

Preventive dental care like fluoride treatments and sealants, can save time, money and teeth!