A child’s smile is precious, and starting dental visits early ensures it stays healthy for years to come. Experts recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits not only help detect potential issues but also familiarize children with the dental environment, easing future appointments.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, providers and parents have the same goal for children. Parents play a key role in this process by encouraging good dental habits at home and making dental visits a positive experience. Additionally, early childhood dental visits are about more than just checking for cavities—they lay the groundwork for lifelong oral health. We can provide preventative care, track your child’s dental development, and educate you and your kiddos about proper hygiene at home. When you’re ready to prioritize your child’s lifelong smile, please call us!
How Important Are Childhood Dental Visits?
From the first appointment, we’re getting the kiddos and the entire family involved. When you come in for your child’s first appointment, we can teach you how to care for their new teeth, help set your expectations for their growth and development, and ensure they’re healthy and set up to thrive.
Not only do initial dental visits help kids and parents with routines at home, but they also help get children acquainted with the dentist’s office. Building comfort early on helps reduce anxiety and fear, helping your kids feel familiarized and safe within the space.
We can also use this appointment to monitor dental development and identify potential issues. This will allow us to address problems more quickly, including those parents might have missed.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
Your child should have their first visit to the dentist by their first birthday. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first baby tooth appearing or by the one-year mark, whichever comes first.
Caregiver Involvement in Forming Healthy Habits
While the first dentist’s appointment is for your child, it’s also for you. Parents or caregivers should try to participate in their kid’s dental health by paying attention to dentist directions. You should also pay close attention to any of the dentist’s concerns, as it is your responsibility to follow up and schedule additional care.
Parents modeling healthy behaviors for their children also play a significant role in pediatric dental health. By helping your kids set up a routine, brushing your teeth around your children, and providing reminders and pointers about good habits, you’re setting your children up for long-lasting and beautiful smiles.
If you need additional tips and tricks to help set your kids up for success, please contact our Little Roots Pediatric Dental team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, give tips, and give you any other guidance you might want or need.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Some parents or children may express anxiety around the first visit to the dentist, but we can ease some of the worry. The following are some of what you can expect during the first dentist’s appointment:
- An appointment lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, typically
- Meeting some of the kind staff, including at least one provider
- Full examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues
- Check-in on growth and development
- Gentle cleaning, if necessary
- Education, with the dentist showing you how to clean at home
- Recommendations for fluoride use
- X-rays, depending on your child’s age
- Planning the next appointment, which may be in the next three months, six months, or somewhere in between
While we encourage babies to come in for their first appointment before they turn one year old, we don’t want to frighten parents or children who have waited longer. No matter your child’s age, we want to ensure you are welcome to come into our office and get the care you need. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and safe environment for the kiddos in your life, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
Schedule Your Child’s First Appointment at Little Roots Pediatric Dental: Develop the Habits for a Life-Long Smile!
Ready to take the first step toward your child’s lifelong oral health? Schedule their first dental visit with Little Roots Pediatric Dental today! Our team is here to provide gentle, expert care while guiding parents and caregivers every step of the way. Let’s work together to build healthy habits and brighten those precious smiles for years.
To schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated and compassionate dental providers, call us at (516)-738-4434 or complete our contact form. We look forward to meeting you and working together to foster a life-long, beautiful smile in your kids.
