When Should My Child First See A Dentist?

Of all the firsts in a child’s life, their first tooth is one of the most exciting. But baby’s first tooth also means baby’s first dental visit. While this can be stressful on both parents and children, the first visit to the dentist is an opportunity to make good oral health a regular part of their life that they don’t have to fear.

Quinte Mall Dental is proud to be your child’s first visit to a dentist. That’s why we want you to know what to expect, how to prepare, and what you can do to promote dental hygiene at home.

When should my child first see a dentist?

You can take your child to the dentist as early as you want, but experts recommend taking your child to their first dental visit between the age of 6 to 12 months, or after the first tooth erupts. Of course, your child is only getting their baby teeth, but cavities can develop even this early. Visiting the dentist early and regularly establishes proper oral health habits, which will carry on as your child grows and their permanent teeth replace their baby teeth. Think of baby teeth as a practice run for taking care of adult teeth.

Prepare yourself, your child, and the dentist

We understand that visiting the dentist can seem like a chore, especially when bringing your child in for their first appointment. It can not only be scary for you, but also for your child as well. To make you and your child more comfortable, there are ways to prepare for the visit.

• Ask your dentist if you can bring your child to the office to get acquainted with the surroundings and sounds. Experiencing the daily workings can help your child get used to the new people and the environment he or she is seeing for the first time, making the actual day of your appointment less stimulating.
• Instead of filling out forms in our office on the day of your child’s first dental visit, ask if you can fill them out ahead of time at home or online. Simply ask for the paperwork at the front desk on the day you and your child visit to take a tour.
• Make a note of any questions you may have about behaviors your child may be exhibiting, such as thumb sucking, overusing the pacifier, and teething. This will help your dentist give you the information you need.
• Try to make visiting the dentist a positive experience despite your own feelings. Anxieties about the dentist can transfer from parent to child. Establishing dental visits as a positive experience early on decreases anxiety children may feel as they get older.
• Inform the dentist about how your child reacts. Dentists work with children all the time and likely have strategies to deal with specific reactions, including stubbornness, anxiousness, and fear.
• Make sure the dentist has your child’s medical history.

What to expect during the first dental visit

After a short wait in the waiting room, a dental associate will escort you and your child to an exam room. You are perfectly free to be with your child during the entire process. You may even have to sit them on your lap in the dental chair.

A dentist or hygienist will begin by examining and cleaning any teeth your child has at the time. The dentist will show you how to clean your child’s teeth and care for their oral health. This includes discussing diet, the right toothpaste, fluoride, and other oral care products.

This is also the time when you can ask questions about any concerns you have, which your dentist will answer. X-rays most likely will not be necessary, but the dentist could order them if he or she suspects that there’s a problem.

After thoroughly examining your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw to chart their development and answering any questions you may have, the appointment is finished.

Tips for a good first dental visit

Bringing your child to the dentist for the first time can be daunting, especially for new parents. Here are some tips for parents to consider.

• Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is more alert and well-rested, which is usually in the morning.
• Make sure your child eats and that you brush whatever number of teeth they have prior to the appointment. Hunger during a visit can make kids a little cranky.
• Bring snacks for your child after the exam. You can even use them as a reward to promote a positive experience.

How soon should you schedule a second dental visit?

Depending on your child’s initial visit and how you care for their oral health at home, it could be up to a year before you need to schedule another appointment. After your child turns two-years-old is when you should begin scheduling regular appointments every six months.

Protecting your child’s teeth at home

To prevent frequent visits to the dentist beyond the normal checkups every six months, there are steps parents can take to care for their child’s teeth at home.

• Clean gums using a clean damp cloth.
• Avoid giving your child a bottle of milk or juice at bedtime or before naps to prevent bottle tooth decay.
• Gently brush your child’s first teeth with a soft brush without toothpaste until they are at least 3-years-old when they are able to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks. Give your child fruit instead of juice when possible.

Your child’s oral health is important to us. Belleville family dentist, Dr. Rekha Miranda, and her skilled team are dedicated to caring for you and your child’s teeth so both of you can show your smiles to the world. When you notice the appearance of your child’s first tooth, we hope you will contact us to schedule his or her first dental visit. Quinte Mall Dental serves Bellville, Ontario, and the surrounding area. We would be truly honored to share this experience with you and your child. It’s a milestone worth celebrating.