Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you—and the same goes for your child’s smile! That said, you should do everything you can to ensure that your little one is set up for a lifetime of excellent oral health, but you might not know how to prepare or what to expect upon arriving for this crucial first dental visit. We’re more than happy to help you start on the right foot here at Trinity Pediatric Dentistry! Here’s more about what you can expect during your child’s first visit and some tips for ensuring it goes well.
When Does My Child Need to Have Their First Checkup?
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday—this is a good rule of thumb. It’s best to be proactive about their oral health from an early age, and this will allow you and their dentist to take a tag team approach very early on!
What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?
You can prepare your child for their first visit by talking to them about what’s going to happen in a positive and encouraging manner; if they’re old enough to understand the value of oral health, even better, but if they’re younger, keep things simple. You might consider reading books or watching videos with them about first dental visits to help them feel less fearful, more informed, and exceptionally confident!
When you show up for your child’s visit, their dentist will examine their jaw and teeth to make sure they are developing without issue. You’ll seated next to your child throughout this process, and you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns about your child’s teeth. Your dentist will also check for injuries, cavities, or other issues that might affect their oral health. Once that part of the exam is over, they’ll clean your child’s teeth and provide some tips for daily oral care!
How Can I Ensure My Child Has a Pleasant Experience?
You should know that your child’s dentist will do everything they can to ensure that your little one doesn’t experience any distress during their visit. While this checkup isn’t likely to include anything too serious or unpleasant in nature, it’s normal for children to still feel some anxiety or nerves about their visit. That said, there are fortunately quite a few things you can do beforehand to ensure that things go smoothly, including:
- Schedule your child’s visit during a time when your child will feel well-rested; they’ll likely be a little more cooperative, which will make things easier for all parties involved.
- Make sure your child has eaten the day of their appointment, and be sure they brush their teeth before their visit.
- Think of the appointment as a happy experience, and try to instill this in your child—after all, it’s for their well-being, and you can try to get this point across to them too!
If it’s time for your child’s first dental visit, then you shouldn’t hesitate to contact us to set up the appointment—by doing so, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of happy smiling!
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Thorburn received her dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center and is a proud member of several professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact her team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (682) 207-6390.