As your kids grow up, they’ll have many exciting firsts – their first walk, day at school, etc. Still, their initial trip to the dentist may not seem like one of these happy milestones. A child’s first dental visit can strike many parents as stressful and even nerve-wracking. Having said that, your Silver Springs pediatric dentist can make that outing less difficult for you. Here’s a primer on what to expect from a kid’s first dental visit and how to make the appointment easier.
What to Expect from Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Once our child’s first tooth appears, you should schedule their first dental visit. This appointment will involve the following:
An Exam & Cleaning
Naturally, you should expect the visit to feature an oral exam and a cleaning. These two steps are taken at every dental checkup.
The exam and cleaning won’t be that complicated or complex. The dentist will perform the first part by checking your child’s jaw, teeth, and gums for problems. As for the second, they’ll thoroughly clean your child’s smile to reduce the risk of tooth decay. This cleaning will only take five or ten minutes since your kiddo won’t have many teeth.
Some Oral Care Suggestions
It’s never too early to look after smiles at home. Given that fact, the dentist will offer some oral care suggestions after the exam and cleaning.
Note that these care suggestions are crucial, especially for first-time parents. Whether they’re followed or not will affect whether a child has a healthy smile as they grow older. You should closely listen to the dental care provider’s guidance and instructions.
A Dentist Q&A
The dentist will allow a brief Q&A period to wrap up the visit. This phase teaches parents how to care for their child’s oral health.
Of course, the dentist will gladly answer any questions related to pediatric dentistry. These could range from concerns about pacifier use to the best nutrition for healthy teeth. All in all, don’t hold back – your dental practice will happily address your worries.
How Can You Make the Visit Easier?
Kids can be rather fussy at their first dental visit. To make the outing easier, consider the tips below:
- Schedule the Visit Well – Set your child’s first dentist appointment when they’ll be the least fussy. You should also ensure they’re well-rested and fed before arrival.
- Prepare Your Child – To help your child adapt to the visit, talk to them about what it’ll involve.
- Make the Visit Fun – You can reduce your child’s anxiety by making the dental visit fun. Options include bringing a stuffed animal, packing treats, and offering post-visit rewards.
Your child’s first dental visit doesn’t have to be something to dread. Instead, remember the points above so the appointment goes smoothly!
About the Practice
Healthy Kids Dentistry is based in Silver Spring, MD. Led by Dr. Jose Garcia, our practice helps children of all ages get the dental care they deserve. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments for infants, toddlers, little kids, and even teens! Whether your child needs a dental checkup or dental fillings, our team will ensure their smile is strong and thriving. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (301)-871-8880.