Preparing for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, infants should visit a pediatric dentist around six months of age. First visits can be stressful for parents, especially those who have dental phobias themselves.

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It is important for parents to communicate positive messages about dental visits and help the child feel happy and comfortable about visiting the dentist.

How Can I Prepare for My Child’s First Dental Visit?

Pediatric dentists undergo extensive training in child psychology. Their offices are typically colorful, child-friendly, and equipped with games, toys, and educational tools. The goal of the dentist and the dental team is to make the child feel welcome and comfortable.

Tips for Parents

  • Take another adult along: Infants may become fussy during the examination. Another adult can help soothe the child, allowing the parent to ask questions and focus on guidance from the dentist.
  • Leave other children at home: Other children can distract the parent and upset the infant. Leaving them at home, if possible, makes the visit less stressful.
  • Avoid threatening language: Pediatric dentists avoid words like “drills,” “needles,” “injections,” and “bleeding.” Parents should also use positive language about dental care.
  • Provide positive explanations: Explain that the dentist “helps keep teeth healthy” instead of mentioning drills or cavities.
  • Explain what will happen: Reducing anxiety by setting expectations helps the child feel safe. Age-appropriate books can make the visit seem fun. Examples include:

    • The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – by Stan and Jan Berenstain
    • Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Part of the Dora the Explorer Series
    • Going to the Dentist – by Anne Civardi
    • Elmo Visits the Dentist – Part of the Sesame Street Series

What Will Happen During the First Visit?

The goals of the first dental visit include building rapport between the dentist and child, monitoring tooth and jaw development, evaluating the health of teeth and gums, and advising parents on oral care routines.

Typical Sequence of an Initial “Well Baby Checkup”

  1. The dental team greets the child and parents.
  2. The infant’s health history is reviewed, including medical conditions and questionnaires.
  3. The pediatric dentist addresses parental questions and concerns.
  4. Additional questions are asked about oral habits, pacifier use, tooth alignment, development, and diet.
  5. The dentist provides advice on oral care, injury prevention, fluoride intake, and sippy cup use.
  6. The infant’s teeth are examined using the Knee-to-Knee technique, where the parent and dentist sit facing each other and the infant’s head rests in the dentist’s lap, allowing the child to see the parent.
  7. Demonstrations of good brushing and flossing are provided.
  8. The dentist describes the child’s oral health and provides recommendations regarding oral habits, toothbrushes, toothpastes, orthodontically correct pacifiers, and diet.
  9. The dentist outlines which teeth may appear in the coming months.
  10. The dentist and team outline the appointment schedule and describe what will happen during the next visit.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office.