A healthy smile plays an important role in your child’s development, and trips to the dentist are a must. If you’ve just scheduled their first pediatric checkup, it’s important to understand what to expect. Here’s what you need to know.

A Parent’s Guide to Child Dental Exams

How to Prepare

The American Dental Association recommends that children see the dentist either when their first tooth appears—between six and 12 months—or by their first birthday. New environments aren’t easy for infants and small children, so schedule a preliminary visit. Your child should explore the waiting area, meet some of the staff, and become more comfortable with the sights, smells, and sounds of the office. This is a good time to drop off insurance paperwork or pertinent medical history documents for the staff to review.

Familiarize your infant with being held leading up to the exam. You can also wear rubber gloves and touch your child’s mouth so they become used to the sensation. Finally, explain the importance of oral health so they better understand what’s going on.

What to Expect

The dentist or oral hygienist will start by discussing your child’s health and any concerns you have. Bring a list of symptoms, such as bleeding gums or questions you have about infant oral care.

The dental professional will invite you to sit knee-to-knee so they can examine your child. You can then lower your child’s head to your lap. The dentist will look at existing teeth, checking for plaque buildup and signs of decay. They’ll also see that the tooth has erupted fully and is in the correct position. Baby teeth guide adult teeth into place and also affect eating and speech development, which is why it’s important that they’re healthy and in the right areas.

Next, the dentist will use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your infant’s tooth. Pay close attention and ask plenty of questions. You can begin discussing teething, how to prevent cavities, and foods that are healthy for your child’s teeth.

Ready to schedule your child’s first trip to the dentist? Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, maintains a welcoming, family-centric environment. This practice is backed by over 35 years of dental care experience. You’ll find services ranging from teeth cleanings to root canal therapy and cosmetic dentistry services—all of which you can explore online. Call (907) 272-8422 to schedule a consultation, and connect on Facebook for more dental care tips.