NOT MUCH IS better in the world than the smiles of a baby or little kid, and we have to work hard to keep those smiles healthy. Regular dental visits are a crucial part of a lifetime of good dental health, and that should start early on. If your child’s next dental visit will actually be their first, we’re here to put you at ease and give you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
The Ideal Timeline of the First Visit
Scheduling your baby’s first dental visit is an essential step in ensuring their lifelong oral health. We recommend that you bring your little one for their initial dental appointment within six months after their first tooth emerges or no later than their first birthday. Early dental visits allow our experienced pediatric team at Worcester Kids’ Dentist to monitor your baby’s oral development, address any emerging concerns, and provide you with valuable guidance on proper oral hygiene and nutrition tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Establishing a positive dental experience from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles and fosters a comfortable relationship with dental care. Our caring environment ensures that your baby’s first dental visit is a stress-free and informative experience, aimed at promoting their overall well-being.
Preparing for the First Visit
Up to a certain age, there’s not much you can do to explain the dentist to a very young child, and their crying is an age-appropriate and expected behavior. But if you are bringing a toddler or preschooler, you can give them an explanation of what to expect from this new experience by getting specific guidance from that portion of our website (hyperlink to https://www.shadygrovepediatricdentistry.com/about/what-to-expect)
Be sure to cover the importance of going to the dentist, and explain the dentist as someone who helps them keep their teeth strong and healthy. Help them feel excited about this Big Kid milestone.
You can prepare for the first visit as a parent by discussing your questions and concerns with us. Keep in mind that your own history with dental offices is not your child’s. We encourage you to be honest with us about your views on dentists so that we can work together to ensure your child doesn’t inherit your dental anxiety.
The First Visit
During your child’s appointment, you can hold your child in your lap. You and Dr. Vera will use the “knee to knee” position (we will explain and demonstrate), and Dr. Vera will complete a thorough yet gentle assessment of your child’s mouth.
You will receive oral hygiene instructions as Dr. Vera cleans your child’s teeth and gums and demonstrates effective methods of working with wiggly little ones. Remember, their cooperation is not required. We know what is age-appropriate and can do our job using effective methods, which you can also implement easily at home. You will leave reassured that you’ve had all your questions answered and can always reach out with follow-up questions later on as needed. We are here for you.
The Second Visit and Beyond
As with adults, children should have regular dental visits — typically twice a year, but we may recommend more frequent visits to help build your child’s comfort and confidence or to keep an eye on a developmental or cavity concern issue. The interval that will be recommended will depend on our findings at the initial visit and may be adjusted as your child grows. Make sure to get directions before heading our way.
