Did you know that your child’s first dental appointment should be before their first birthday? At Dentistry for Children, your child’s first dental appointment is a huge milestone that we want to celebrate with you! Our team wants to be a resource for the parents and patients that come to visit us, and your child’s first dental checkup is the perfect time to answer any questions you may have as we check on how your child’s teeth are developing.

How old should my child be for their first dental appointment?

One of the most frequently asked questions that we get from new parents is, “At what age should my child first visit the dentist?” It’s recommended that kids have their first dental checkup when their first baby tooth begins to surface or by the time their first birthday comes around. Many parents think this seems early, but every child’s first oral health checkup is vital to make sure that their mouth is tooth and gum decay-free and that all their teeth are properly coming into place. You can expect to see your child’s first baby tooth as young as six months- their dental appointment shouldn’t be far behind!

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, yet it is almost always entirely preventable? Many kids will come in for their first appointment at three or four years old with cavities and tooth decay that could have been prevented with a routine checkup. It’s easy to see why taking your child in for their first dental appointment at an early age is so critical!

What should I expect during my child’s first trip to the dentist?

Our first priority is making your child’s oral health checkup fun, engaging, and seamless! If your child is a bit anxious about their first appointment, Our doctors and staff take extra care to make sure your child has fun at their dental visit and that they’re as comfortable as possible. If your child is nervous about their first dental appointment, call ahead and come on by! Many parents want to know what to expect at their child’s first dental appointment. Parents are more than welcome to stop by prior to their child’s dental visit to meet our staff and take a quick tour of our office.

During your child’s first dental appointment, a hygienist will: 

• Clean and examine your child’s teeth
• Demonstrate how to brush your baby’s teeth (tiny mouths can sure be tricky!)
• Discuss if fluoride is needed
• Talk through your child’s diet
• Discuss diet and fluoride needs
• Recommend oral health products

Our doctor will then join you and your child and will:

• Check your baby’s mouth for signs of tooth decay
• Express any concerns for your child’s oral health
• Answer questions you may have regarding your child’s oral development

During your child’s first dental checkup, it’s common for doctors to conduct what’s known as a knee-to-knee exam. Knee-to-knee exams help children feel even more comfortable during their visit since they’ll be laid in your lap as we conduct their dental checkup. Your child’s visit will conclude with goodies in their dental health bag which will include an infant-sized or toddler-sized toothbrush, as well as toothpaste and floss to help set them up for success after leaving their first appointment!

Ready to book your child’s first oral health checkup? Give us a call at (833) KIDS-DFC!