When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

As a new parent, you might be asking yourself when your child should first visit the dentist. Generally, it is recommended that your child see the dentist before his or her first birthday, or six months following the eruption of the first tooth. Although this may seem too soon, it is important that your child start seeing a dentist at an early age in order to prevent cavities and tooth decay down the line. Towards this end, the dentist can administer fluoride treatments and take other cavity-preventative measures while the child's teeth are still new and cavity-free. Early age dental visits also help acclimate your child to the dentist, ensuring more anxiety-free visits in the future.

Before your child first visits the dentist, you may wish to prepare him or her by describing the dental office or even taking your child to see it. Have your child meet the dentist and become comfortable in the office. On the day of the visit, plan what you will do if your child becomes uncooperative. Be sure to bring your child's complete medical records. Also, don't forget to take your child's favorite toy or blanket.

Depending on the comfort level of your child, the initial dental appointment may consist of the dentist examining your child's teeth, jaw, bite, and gums. A gentle cleaning may be performed if plaque, stains, and/or tartar are observed. X-rays may also be taken. The dentist will probably go over proper teeth cleaning techniques with you and your child, and may also bring up fluoride treatment for preserving the new teeth. The actual visit will probably take no more than 30 minutes to complete. At the end of the visit, the dental team will attempt to schedule your child for another appointment in six months.

Any questions that you may have concerning your child's dental health should be discussed at this time. For example, you may wish to know more about how to help your child properly clean and rinse his or her teeth. You may have concerns about fluoride use, or oral habits such as thumb sucking and finger biting. If you are concerned that your child will become impatient or fussy while you talk with the dentist, bring along another adult with you. That extra adult, who is hopefully a caregiver for your child, can look after your child while you discuss these matters with the dentist or office staff.

When seeking a good dental office for your child, look for a place that can be easily reached in case of an accident or other dental emergency, whose staff are patient and kind even if your child puts up a fuss, and where you are apprised of what to expect during every visit. This will help ensure not only your child's comfort, but your own too.