It may not seem important to think about your child’s first visit to the dentist when they are still cutting their first teeth, but that’s exactly when the American Dental Association says you should start to consider it. In fact, both The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur within six months of the baby’s first tooth, but no later than the child’s first birthday. They also advise that it is best to have your child see the dentist when they are healthy and not to wait until there is a problem or emergency. This is to ensure you have already established a relationship of trust with your provider so that your child doesn’t meet their dentist for the first time in a time of trauma.

It may not seem important to think about your child’s first dental appointment when they are still cutting their first teeth, but that’s exactly when the American Dental Association says you should start to consider it. In fact, both The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur within six months of the baby’s first tooth, but no later than the child’s first birthday. They also advise that it is best to have your child see the dentist when they are healthy and not to wait until there is a problem or emergency. This is to ensure you have already established a relationship of trust with your provider so that your child doesn’t meet their dentist for the first time in a time of trauma.

Today, many dental offices are changing the perception of visiting the dentist, especially for children, with just some simple ambiance changes! Some have video games, fish aquariums and activities to pass the time. There may even be kid friendly sized chairs and equipment. Many rooms have been updated with bright colors, fun themes and things children enjoy to pass the time, all creating an ambiance of fun, cheerfulness, unlike the sterile and cold dental offices of years past. Some dental offices have things such as televisions mounted over the exam chair so that your child can just lie back with a pair of cool sunglasses, watch age appropriate movies or TV shows while the hygienist cleans their teeth and the dentist examines them. Again, creating an atmosphere of comfort and taking the fear out of the exam.

One thing to note when picking your child’s dentist is their office policies and procedures. Make sure to ask them about their policies regarding if they allow parents to sit in the exam room with the child, how often you should come back, when and how they take x-rays and their billing procedures. Different offices will have different policies they implement, so make sure that you ask all the questions prior to making your first appointment for your child. Your comfort with the dentist and their staff is just as important as your child’s.

Stanford Children’s Health recommends that, if possible, schedule your child’s appointment early in the day when they are alert and fresh. They also recommend being prepared. Prepare your child by giving them a brief, but positive expectation of what is to come. Prepare yourself by having a list of questions you want to ask the dentist. Just as importantly, you should be prepared to give the dental provider your child’s health and dental history and habits. For example if your child is a thumb sucker or goes to sleep with a bottle, those can impact dental health. Take caution to be aware of your own feelings towards the dentist. Parents should be there for moral support,
not to allow their own anxieties to cloud their child’s experience.

While your child is in the exam chair, make sure you take that time to absorb what is going on and look at it like a teachable moment in your child’s dental care. Their dentist can point out trouble spots or methods to floss or clean the teeth and gums more efficiently. This is also an opportunity for your child’s dentist to recommend customized fluoride treatment plans as appropriate as well as personalized dental advice for your child.

Related articles:

Have You Been Taking A Shower The Wrong Way?

Enjoy A Free Scoop Of Ice Cream From Baskin-Robbins On Sunday

Make Your Own Homemade French Fries

Fun Stay-At-Home Activities To Strengthen Your Toddler’s Motor Skills