A great place to grow a smile.
First Dental Visit by First Birthday
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend the first dental visit by age 1
What should parents expect at the first dental visit?
- A thorough examination
- Practical tips on how to care for your child’s teeth
- A discussion about oral habits, including finger, thumb and pacifier sucking
- An assessment of how likely your child is to develop cavities
- Advice on teething and healthy feeding practices
- Recommendations on the correct amount of systemic and topical fluoride
- Tips to prevent oral and facial trauma
How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?
- Before the dental visit, emphasize the positive and fun aspects of the visit
- Tell your child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who takes care of teeth
- Schedule a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative
- Do not tell your child scary stories about your own dental visits
- Do not relay any anxiety that you might feel about dental visits
- Never use the dental visit as a punishment or threat
- Try to make your child’s dental visit an enjoyable and special outing