Some parents and guardians of babies or toddlers assume that their child won’t need to visit their pediatric dentist until they have two full arches of teeth. However, the American Dental Association recommends scheduling their initial appointment by the time their first tooth erupts, which is usually around a year old, to prevent potential problems as their smile develops.
If you’re unsure what to expect from your kid’s initial visit with their provider, continue reading to learn about 3 steps to take to help make it successful!
Step #1: Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
You’re not alone if you’ve felt uncertain about when to book your child’s very first dental appointment. Some well-meaning adults don’t schedule one until their kid has grown all their primary teeth, which usually emerge when they’re between 2 and 4 years old. But unfortunately, if you wait this long, they might already have oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease, by the time you take them to their first appointment.
This is because germs in their mouth can penetrate their enamel or connective tissues at any point in time, not just when they have grown all their baby teeth. The longer the issues remain untreated, the more likely it is to worsen and negatively affect their connective tissues, jawbone, or even the development of their adult teeth. Meanwhile, scheduling their appointment when their first tooth erupts allows their pediatric dentist to monitor their oral health as they grow and help prevent potential problems.
Step #2: Prepare Appropriately
Many children feel nervous about visiting the dentist for the first time, if only because the situation can seem so unfamiliar or unknown. You can help soothe their frayed nerves by sharing information about what to expect at their appointment.
For instance, although your little one might still be too small to grasp complex conversations, you might help them better understand what to expect by reading stories about kids visiting the dentist. You might also ask your pediatric provider whether you and your child can visit ahead of their scheduled appointment so they can meet the team and become more familiar with the environment.
Step #3: Attend Your Child’s Visit
Setting expectations can go a long way toward easing your child’s nerves before their visit, which typically involves examining their mouth for potential problems, then cleaning and flossing any teeth that have already erupted. Your pediatric dentist might also ask questions about your kid’s eating and drinking habits and provide recommendations for improving their at-home oral hygiene routine.
If they find signs of any issues, like cavities or gum disease, they’ll provide an appropriate treatment plan and walk you through the details for approval before moving forward with suggested services.
Taking the time to establish expectations can help you and your child get through their very first exam and cleaning successfully!
Meet the Author
Dr. Matt Strumpf is passionate about providing quality dental care to help children build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his dental degree from Midwestern University, then completed his pediatric specialty training at the University of Illinois of Chicago, where he also earned a Master of Oral Science degree. Today, he’s an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and takes the time to get to know your child so he can deliver customized treatments tailored to their unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (651) 450-6111.