As a parent, you’re responsible for teaching your child proper dental habits from a young age. Regular visits to the dentist are an essential part of this education that help your child fight issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. To help your child prepare, learn more about when to take your child to the family dentist for the first time and what to expect.

A Guide to for Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

When Should They Go?

Dentists typically recommend scheduling a child’s first visit during the preschool years. Since cavities don’t wait for all baby teeth to erupt, neither should you. Prepare for your child for the first visit with books, videos, coloring pages, and other positive reinforcements that help your child get used to twice-yearly visits. Avoid negative language such as “needle” and “shot,” especially since initial exams are rarely long or complicated. Instead, focus on getting your child comfortable with the dentist and excited about oral health.

What to Expect

During the introductory visit, the dentist will count your child’s teeth, look for signs of decay and additional problems like inflamed gums, and inspect the bite for protrusions or other misalignments. A dental professional will also clean your child’s teeth and help them develop an oral health routine, including brushing for two minutes twice a day to a tooth brushing song and limiting sugary drinks that promote tooth decay.

Keep in mind that family dentists receive extra training to deal with upset or fussy children in a way that won’t result in anxiety and phobias. To help yourself, your child, and the dental professional, schedule the visit when your child is most alert, such as several hours before naptime. 

For an experienced, kind dentist you can trust, schedule your child’s first visit with Clements Family Dentistry in Hamilton, OH. Serving Butler County since 1991, this practice has been recognized by Angie’s List, Cincinnati Magazine, and Cincy Magazine for outstanding work on patients of all ages. Call (513) 887-7027 today to make the appointment or visit the practice online for more information.