Like their first haircut, a kid’s first dental appointment is cause for excitement and, for many parents, a little anxiety as well!
The Super Dentists, San Diego’s most trusted pediatric dentistry, is here to help answer some questions about your kid’s first dental visit, including:
- When should a baby have their first dentist appointment?
- What to expect at your baby’s first dentist appointment?
- What’s the best way to prepare for your child’s initial dental visit?
- And much more
We’ve helped hundreds of families get through their kids’ first dental experience, and our highly trained pediatric dental experts are here to ease anxiety, build confidence and help establish lifelong, positive dental care habits.
When Should a Baby Have Their First Dental Appointment?
One of the most common questions we receive is: when should a baby have a first dentist appointment?
It’s a great question, with a simple answer. The Super Dentists recommends that a kid’s first dental appointment should occur as soon as the first baby teeth erupt or no later than their first birthday. During this visit, we’ll review important aspects of children’s dental health, including issues like teething and thumb sucking, along with helpful tips on locking in healthful dietary habits and other important behaviors to focus on.
Looking ahead, you should also take your child to the dentist before age 4 if there are any poor oral habits such as thumb-sucking and no later than age 7 to see the orthodontist to check the bite, space for permanent teeth, airway, and so on. If you wait too long for your kid’s first dental visit, existing problems can hinder early childhood dental habits, so it’s best to address them quickly by scheduling an appointment. You can also give us a call at 1 (855) GO SUPER.
Benefits of Taking Your Kids to the Dentist When They Are Young
We highly recommend making sure that your kid’s first dental visit occurs at an early age. There are many benefits to this:
Early Detection – If your child has any type of dental issue including cavities, gum disease, or misaligned teeth, we’ll be able to identify and treat it before it becomes a problem.
Establishing a Routine – Your kid’s first dental visit is important for getting them into the routine of going to the dentist. This is something that will benefit them for many years.
Preventing Anxiety – Taking your children to the dentist when they are young will help them to understand what to expect. They’ll become comfortable at the dentist which will reduce their anxiety moving forward.
Your kid’s first dental experience is so important for their oral health so be sure to visit the dentist with your child at a young age and get them started off on the right foot!
What to Expect at Toddler’s First Dentist Appointment
So you’ve scheduled your kid’s first dental appointment – now what? As the anticipation builds, you might wonder “What do they do at baby’s first appointment?”
Most of your baby’s first dentist appointment is a simple information-gathering exercise. It’s also an informal meet and greet between the pediatric dentist and your child. Many parents expect a flurry of dental activity during the first visit only to find out there was no reason to worry.
Here’s what you can expect at your child’s first dental appointment:
- A friendly introduction.
- A brief exam of your child’s teeth. Our pediatric dentist will assess their teeth, along with the gum line and jaw development.
- For children a year old (or close to a year), a brief dental cleaning may also be performed.
Common treatments may include methods to reduce finger sucking, how to properly manage teething, and other issues related to baby/toddler dental care. While these treatments aren’t required for every patient, they might be administered to your child.
Plus, we’ll also schedule your child’s second dental appointment.
How to Prepare for a Baby’s First Dental Appointment?
Keep your child in a positive frame of mind prior to their first dental visit. You should also encourage your child to brush prior to the initial appointment, as this gives them a point of reference and some familiarity in advance of the big day.
For parents, here are some ways to prepare:
- Get a list of questions together. Remember – there are no “bad” questions when it comes to your kid’s first dental visit!
- Give your child a brief visual exam – you might find an issue or two that needs addressing.
- Set aside plenty of time. Take a half-day of vacation, or do whatever you have to in order to ensure your child has plenty of time before, during and after your baby’s first dentist appointment to answer questions, provide encouragement, etc.
Establish a Dental Routine
Now that you know when a baby should have their first dentist appointment, how to prepare for the visit, and what happens during, it’s time to extend the knowledge you’ll learn in-office to the home, and that means establishing a sustainable, easy to follow dental care routine for your child.
After your kid’s first dentist visit, make sure they brush at least twice per day (younger children will need assistance), and, once their teeth fully come in, incorporate flossing as well. Doing this will help prevent tooth decay and ensure your children have healthy smiles for years to come! The Super Dentists has a great article on this very subject – check it out today!
Remember that your kids’ 1st dental experience can help shape how they look at going to the dentist for many years. Make it a memorable experience!
We’re here for you and your entire family, from your children’s first dental visit and well beyond! Book an appointment with The Super Dentists today, and if you have any questions about your upcoming visit or anything else, call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER. You can also shoot us a text message at 1 (844) 765-1234.
Visit us today and see why 1 in every 5 San Diego children is a Super Dentists kid!
