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Your Child’s First Dental Visit: What to Expect

Start Your Child’s Oral Health Journey Off Right!

One of the best ways to ensure your child’s oral health is well taken care of is by taking your child for their first dental visit at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday. 

But what exactly can you expect during your child’s first dental appointment? Read below to learn how to prepare and what to expect during your child’s first dental visit. To schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment at Petrie Advanced Dental, contact our Tacoma, WA, dentist by calling (253) 761-5422 today. 

your child's first dental visit

Pre-Visit Preparation

Before your child’s first dental appointment, make sure to prepare by doing the following:

  • Choose a pediatric dentist: Look for a pediatric dentist who’s experienced in working with children and provides a welcoming and child-friendly environment. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your child’s pediatrician, or search for a pediatric dentist online.
  • Schedule the appointment: Call the dental office and schedule your child’s first dental visit. Try to choose a time when your child is well-rested and less likely to be irritable or fussy.
  • Gather necessary information: Before the appointment, gather any necessary information that the dental office may need, such as your child’s insurance information and medical history. You may be able to fill out paperwork beforehand to save time at the appointment.
  • Discuss the visit with your child: Talk to your child about what to expect during the dental visit in a positive and age-appropriate way. You can use books, videos, or other resources to help explain what will happen.
  • Bring comfort items: To help your child feel more comfortable, consider bringing a favorite toy or blanket to the appointment. You can also bring snacks or drinks to help keep your child happy during the visit.

What Happens During the First Dental Visit?

Oral Examination

When you arrive at our Tacoma dental office, your child will meet our dentist and our dental team. Dr. Petrie will do a comprehensive oral exam to check for issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or other common dental problems seen in children. They’ll also check your child’s bite and look for any developmental issues, such as jammed baby tooth or baby bottle tooth decay.

Dental Cleaning

After the exam, the dentist or hygienist will clean and polish your child’s teeth. X-rays may be taken if necessary to get a more detailed look at your child’s teeth and jaw. If recommended, a fluoride treatment will also be administered to help protect your child’s teeth from cavities.

Oral Hygiene Tips

The dentist or hygienist will also provide oral health education and tips for parents to help keep their child’s teeth and gums healthy. This may include information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of cavities.

Addressing Common Concerns and Anxieties

It’s normal for children to feel anxious or scared about their first dentist appointment. As a parent, you can help ease your child’s fears by preparing them beforehand. Talk to your child about what to expect during the visit and answer any questions they may have. You can also read books or watch videos about dental visits to help your child feel more comfortable.

If your child is still anxious, you can ask our dentist about techniques to help them cope, such as distraction techniques or using sedation. Don’t hesitate to ask the dentist if you have any questions or concerns about the visit.

Follow-Up Care and Future Visits

After the first dental visit, it’s important to continue regular dental checkups for your child. We’ll provide recommendations on how often your child should visit based on their individual needs. Ongoing dental care and preventive measures such as regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and fluoride treatments can help ensure your child’s oral health stays in top shape.

kid at the dentist for pediatric dentistry

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child need X-rays during their first dental visit?

X-rays may be taken during your child’s first dental visit if the pediatric dentist needs a more detailed look at your child’s teeth and jaw. However, not all children need X-rays during their first visit. Your child’s dentist will make a recommendation based on their individual needs.

What if my child has a cavity?

If your child has a cavity, the dentist will need to fill it to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. The filling material used may vary depending on the location and size of the cavity, as well as your child’s individual needs.

Don’t Delay, Start Preparing Now!

A child’s first dental visit is an important milestone in their oral health journey. It’s never too early to start establishing good habits and a positive attitude toward dental care. If you haven’t already, be sure to schedule your child’s first dental appointment with our pediatric dentist. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tacoma dentist. Call us today at (253) 761-5422. Petrie Advanced Dental proudly provides comprehensive dental services to patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.