The Initial Visit

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The first “regular” dental visit should take place shortly after your child’s third birthday. Typically, this visit is short and involves minimal treatment. To help your child feel comfortable, you may be asked to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. Sometimes, parents may also be asked to wait in the reception area for part of the visit to allow your child to build a relationship with the dentist.

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During this initial visit, our dentist will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to detect any decay and to monitor the development of your child's permanent teeth beneath the gums. We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect against decay. Ensuring your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home is also an important part of the visit. Most importantly, we will review proper oral hygiene practices with you to help care for your child’s teeth.

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Preparing Your Child for the First Visit

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Parents often ask how to prepare their child for their first dental visit. We recommend preparing your child in the same manner as you would for their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. The following are some tips to help ease your child into their first dental visit:

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• Take your child for a “preview” of the dental office.

• Read books with them about going to the dentist.

• Explain to them what the dentist will do during the visit.

• Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

 

What to Expect During the First Visit

 

During the first visit, the dentist will:

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• Examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums.

• Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.

• Check if fluoride is needed.

• Teach you and your child about cleaning their teeth and gums.

• Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

 

Preventative Care

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Preventative care is crucial in maintaining your child’s oral health. At our office, we focus on all aspects of preventative care and use the latest dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth, providing a strong defense against cavities.

 

Cavity Prevention

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Cavities are often caused by a diet high in sugary foods and inadequate brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of developing cavities. Here are some tips for cavity prevention:

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• Limit the frequency of meals and snacks.

• Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

• Monitor what your child drinks.

• Avoid giving your child sticky foods.

• Make treats part of meals.

• Choose nutritious snacks.

 

Tooth Growth Schedule

 

The first baby teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, which typically emerge when your baby is about 6-8 months old. These are followed by the four upper front teeth, with the rest of the baby teeth appearing periodically in pairs until the child is about 2 1/2 years old. By this age, your child should have all 20 baby teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of these permanent teeth will replace baby teeth, while others will not. It’s important to maintain a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene to ensure the health of these baby teeth, as they hold space for permanent teeth and are essential for chewing, biting, speech, and appearance.

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If you have any questions or would like to schedule a first dental visit for your child, please contact us. We are here to help you establish a strong foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.