The details of your child’s first visit largely depend on his/her age. If your little one doesn’t yet have permanent teeth, we’ll gently examine his/her gums and primary teeth to check for any issues. We will answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral development and give you honest advice about how to care for your child’s teeth at home.
If your child already has primary teeth, we’ll perform a standard cleaning. Our team offers a communicative approach and walks through each step with your kiddo to prepare them for every part of the process. We’ll thoroughly examine their teeth and gums, and let you know if we notice any cavities or other common dental health issues. If your child requires a follow-up appointment, we’ll schedule your next pediatric visit at a time that works best for you and your family.
We want your child’s first visit to be as simple and convenient as possible. Bringing any dental insurance information you may have will speed up your check-out process so you can get back to enjoying the rest of the day with your child. You may also want to bring any items that make your child feel comfortable and safe, like a favorite toy or blanket. This can have a calming effect and keep your child feeling confident in a new space.
Bringing your child to the dentist for the first time can feel intimidating, but we have tips to help! Keep in mind that your kiddo doesn’t know what to expect, so you have the opportunity to frame the experience in a positive light. Walk him/her through the steps of a routine dental appointment in language they will understand. Tell your child that the dentist will help keep their teeth happy and healthy, and that the doctor will simply count their teeth, examine each one, and clean every surface inside their mouth.
Watching educational videos about oral health and listening to music while your child brushes their teeth can help form positive memories of dental care, and can get them excited about their next visit to the dentist. Need more tips about how to prepare? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help or make any accommodations for your visit that you deem necessary!