What Happens During My Child’s First Dental Visit?

Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone, and as a parent, you’ll of course want to know what to expect ahead of time. The following is a general outline of what will happen during this important first dental visit.

Taking Your Child to the Dentist for an Initial Appointment

Part of your child’s first dental exam will be focused on getting to know your child and making sure he or she is comfortable. It’s important to establish a good dentist-patient relationship early on to help your child develop a healthy attitude about going to the dentist. Taking time for this introductory period is also important because it can help combat the separation anxiety young children may experience.
Once your child is comfortable, the cleaning will begin. A dental hygienist will gently clean your child’s teeth and identify any oral hygiene problems. He or she can also recommend helpful tips for keeping your child’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible, and may recommend fluoride treatments to make your child’s teeth more resilient to decay.
Your child’s first appointment is likely to include X-rays. This helps our pediatric dentists identify any problems developing under the surface and also makes it easy to monitor any conditions over time.
After your child’s teeth have been cleaned and X-rays have been taken, one of our dentists will thoroughly examine his or her teeth and gums. Problems that may be identified during the exam may include tooth decay, the beginnings of gum disease, and problems with the way the teeth are coming in. If any problems are discovered, the dentist will create a treatment plan to restore his or her oral health.

Making sure your child goes to the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups is an important part of keeping his or her teeth and gums healthy. Taking the time to find a great pediatric dentist and emphasizing the importance of regular dental visits will put your child on the fast track to a lifetime of excellent oral health.