From their first stuffed animal to their first walk in the park, parents look forward to seeing their children hit different milestones. If you haven’t given much thought to their first family dentist visit, you may be wondering when to schedule an appointment. Use the following guide to find out how to prepare your little one for this particular “first.”

When Is the Right Time for a First Dental Visit?

Although they may not be holding their own toothbrush yet, the leading dentistry groups—the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry—advise parents to schedule their child’s initial dental appointment when the first baby tooth emerges. Usually, this is before the age of two.

When you first take your child to the family dentist, they won’t be filling cavities or teaching flossing techniques. However, a first visit is an excellent opportunity to establish relationships. Familiarity with the dentist and the office staff helps children overcome nerves. The dentist will take a quick look in your son or daughter’s mouth to make sure the baby teeth are coming in properly and assess problems with the tongue, gums, and bite that may influence speaking and eating.

How Can I Keep Them Calm?

If taken before the age of two, your child probably won’t have any preconceived notions about the dentist. Still, if your child gets nervous when speaking to other adults, explain this to your family dentist. They’ll take care to use a friendly demeanor and show your child the tools, chair, and overhead lights as if they were toys.

If your child is a bit older, ease fears by explaining what they should expect from their visit. Don’t go into too much detail. Your child may pick up on your anxiety. Instead, keep calm, and talk about the dentist appointment as if it were a trip to the grocery store. Let them know that the dentist will look at their smile and count their teeth. If they end up needing treatment, you can discuss that later on.

If you’re looking for a family dentist to make your child feel comfortable, turn to Ed Struss Family Dentistry of Lexington, KY. With over 30 years of experience, they’ll introduce your child to oral hygiene with compassion and gentleness. As your child grows and develops, they’ll continue to treat them in an age-appropriate manner. To learn more about this dentistry practice, visit their website, or call (859) 278-7434 to set up an appointment.