When should parents take their children for their first dental checkup?

We like to see infants by the age of one to develop a dental home for your child. This is a wonderful time to learn proper brushing techniques and also to discuss any oral habits that may need to be addressed (i.e. bottle usage, pacifiers). It also introduces your infant to the pediatric dentist who will be providing care and counsel to your family for years to come!

What will happen during my child's first visit to the dentist?

At your first visit, we will become familiar with your child's medical history and any issues that may affect dental development. Discussing your diet is also important and the amount of sugars your child is exposed to. Catching high sugars early that are present in your daily diet can significantly decrease your child's caries risk, hence lowering the amount of early dental decay. Learning how to balance sugar early on is key to providing a healthy stage for permanent teeth to develop. We also examine the mouth by placing the child in your lap and demonstrating how to brush the teeth properly. Learning how to brush properly will also create a familiarity with the toothbrush early on making brushing a normal, healthy habit in your child's daily routine.

How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?

There are many wonderful ways to do this! For an older child coming for the first visit I recommend watching dental videos such as "Dora Goes to the Dentist." There are also many books available that you may read to your child prior to the visit to help make them familiar with their first experience. Practicing with your child by role playing them prior to the visit also helps ready the child for the first visit. You can do this easily by getting a small flashlight and have the child open their mouth as you count their teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also has a website (www.aapd.org) that has many useful resources for your child's first visit and the many roles the pediatric dentist will play over the next 18 years for your family.