It can be confusing to determine when you should take your baby for that first dental visit.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, infants should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. Pediatricians also recommend this one-year timeframe. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that very young children who are at risk for cavities should see a pediatric dentist for the first visit by their first birthday.

Many new parents are surprised at the idea that dental visits should start so early. However, national research indicates that preschool children are developing an increasing number of cavities, according to national studies. In fact, more than 25% of US American children develop one or more cavities by age four. And, many children experience cavities before age two.

Benefits to Your Child from Prompt Dental Care

In order to prevent cavities during early childhood, it is essential to have a professional determination of your child’s cavity risk level. And, you need to be informed on how to care for your baby’s or toddler’s dental hygiene, use of fluoride, and any dietary issues that can impact your child’s dental health. Other information you need to obtain from your child’s dentist includes the following.

• How to use products with fluoride in childhood dental care
• Common dietary impacts on children’s oral health
• How to prevent accidents that can damage your child’s teeth
• Issues of thumb sucking and other oral habits
• Managing teething
• Stages of children’s dental development

Preparing for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

Many parents are concerned that their children will be fussy during dental visits. But, very often they are surprised at how content infants are during the dentist’s examination. They often seem to enjoy all of the attention and are fascinated and curiously processing the unique event.

Consider asking another adult to attend the visit with you, ideally one who helps in caring for your child. Having a little support in managing your child during the visit can free you to talk more comfortably with the dentist and dental staff. For the same reason, it’s recommended not to bring your other children with you to the first visit.

Bring along extra diapers. And, bring a toy, blanket, or another favorite item, and favorite snacks for your child. These familiar things can help your child experience the dentist’s office as a safe and comfortable place.

Ask your pediatric dental staff to help you save time during the office visit by emailing you all necessary forms, so you can fill them out in advance. That way, you can take your time in listing all of your questions and concerns that you want to make sure you discuss with the dentist during the office visit.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The dentist and you, together, will perform a thorough examination of your child’s teeth and mouth. You will also be shown how to properly clean your child’s new teeth. The dentist will guide you through a little practice of that new routine. You should expect the following during the pediatric dental appointment.

• Review your child’s and your family’s dental history
• Discuss your child’s current oral health condition
• Discuss your child’s Bite (what to expect in the way your child’s teeth will grow)
• Teeth cleaning by the dentist or hygienist (especially if your child’s teeth have any staining)
• Fluoride application (especially if your child is at high risk for early childhood cavities.
• Instructions for your child’s dental hygiene, including using toothpaste and fluoride treatments.
• Explanation of connections between diet and your child’s dental health
• Check of cheeks, gums, and other soft tissue
• Explanation of what to expect as your child’s teeth continue to develop
• Recommended schedule for following up with future dental visits
• To have all of your questions answered and your concerns addressed

What You Should Ask the Dentist about Your Child’s Dental Care

Take this checklist with you to your child’s first dental visit, to help you remember to ask your pediatric dentist for the following important information.

• How your child’s dental development is progressing
• What your responsibilities are for early childhood dental care and monitoring
• When you should follow up with future dental visits for your child
• What your child’s risk appears to be for cavities, bite problems, or other dental issues

Follow-up Dental Visits for Your Child

Your pediatric dentist will recommend a follow-up visit schedule. Currently, instead of routine visits every six months, the dentist may base the schedule for follow-up care on an evaluation of your child’s individual risks and needs to best ensure prevention of potential oral problems.

For additional information about children’s dental care, or to make an appointment for your child, contact us today!

The first visit to the dentist is a big deal! Most parents usually ask, “when should my child first see the dentist?”

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry the answer is “first visit to the dentist by their first birthday.”

This may seem early to many parents, but studies have shown that kids are starting to get cavities younger; as early as age 2! Early prevention allows parents to discuss teeth and mouth care with the dentist, as well as teething and teeth milestones.

So what can you expect from the first visit to the dentist?

Meet and Greet

It is the dentist’s #1 goal to make your child feel comfortable! They will introduce themselves and explain each step of the checkup process. Some dentist even use toys, puppets or oversized toothbrushes to make it more fun!

Let’s Count

The dentist or hygienist will next put on gloves and count all the teeth in your child’s mouth. They will also take this time to examine for soft gums, bad oral habits, and their bite.

Lick and a Polish

Next, the dentist will hand over sunglasses or goggles (to protect the eyes) and clean and polish your child’s teeth. Letting them see and/or touch the brush beforehand, to ease any fears.

Final Touches

Lastly, the dentist will show the sucking straw and how it works. Then use it to remove any remaining toothpaste in your child’s mouth.

No first visit to the dentist is complete without a stop at the prize bin! Many dentists carry anything from crayons and stickers to bracelets, rings, and keychains. It helps to remind kids the dentist office is fun!

And remember… practice all the good oral care you learned from your first visit to the dentist, at home. By brushing twice a day, stopping sucking habits, and avoiding sugary, sticky snacks, your child will be on their way to a healthy smile!

Your baby’s first visit to the dentist – where do you start?

Taking your baby to the their first visit to the dentist can be a scary prospect. When should you take them? What should ask?

We understand the challenges parents face with this milestone. That’s why we put together The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist. We hope this helps you with that very important first visit!

When should we go?

It just so happens that the best time to take your child to the dentist for the first time is right around another important milestone – their first birthday!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child has their first dental visit by their first birthday.

Dr. Payam loves first visits and will do everything to make the visit a comfortable, fun experience for your child. He knows how important good oral health is and wants to ensure this first experience is perfect.

What will happen during the visit?

First, Dr. Payam will make sure your child is comfortable and relaxed before starting any examination.

Next, he’ll take a look inside their mouth to check for any tooth decay or other problems. Decay can be very painful and can potentially affect the permanent teeth – something we definitely don’t want to see!

The visit will end with a discussion of proper oral hygiene techniques you can practice with your child at home. Any questions you have will be answered at this point. Read on for our handy list of questions to ask at your first visit.

What should I ask?

Every visit should end with a question and answer session where all of your questions are answered. Here’s a list of questions we think are important to ask at your child’s first visit to the dentist. Add a few (or all) to your own list!

• What can I do to keep my child’s teeth healthy and strong?
• What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
• When do the permanent teeth come in?
• When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?

Schedule your visit today with Dr. Payam. He’ll make sure all your questions are answered and your baby has the best first visit to the dentist possible!