Published on August 28, 2021, Updated on November 18, 2021

The First Visit to the Dentist for Your Child

Your child’s first “regular” dental visit should take place shortly after his or her third birthday. The first visit to the dentist is usually brief and includes little treatment. During the examination, we may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child. You may also be requested to wait in the reception area for a portion of the visit so that your child and your dentist can form a bond.

Your child’s teeth and gums will be gently examined. X-rays may be taken (to detect decay and monitor the development of your child’s permanent teeth beneath the gums). Your child’s teeth may be cleaned and topical fluoride applied to help prevent decay. We will ensure that your youngster gets enough fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will go over how to clean and care for your child’s teeth with you.

What should I say to my child concerning his or her first dental appointment?

This is a question we are frequently asked. We recommend that you prepare your child in the same way as you would before giving them their first haircut or going to the shoe store. You might be surprised by your child’s reaction to his first dental visit.

Here are some suggestions for your “First Visit”:

  • Take your child to the office for a “tour.”
  • Read novels about going to the dentist with them.
  • Review what the dentist will be performing on the initial visit with them.
  • Discuss your own dental experiences in a favorable light.

The dentist will do the following during your first visit:

  • Examine your teeth, gums, and mouth.
  • Examine bad behaviors such as thumb sucking.
  • Examine your teeth to discover if you require fluoride.
  • Teach you how to brush your teeth and floss your gums.
  • Make a recommendation for a regular dental visit schedule.

Isn’t it possible to provide preventative care?

Children and tooth decay no longer have to go hand in hand. All areas of preventive care are very important to us in our office. To safeguard your child’s teeth, we employ the most advanced dental sealant technology. Dental sealants are space-age polymers attached to the chewing surfaces of back teeth that are prone to deterioration. This is just one of the ways we’ll lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good dental health for your child.

Preventing Cavities

Cavities are usually caused by a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Sugar consumption should be limited, and brushing should be done on a regular basis. The longer it takes your child to chew his or her food and the longer the residue remains on his or her teeth, the more likely he or she is to develop cavities.

When someone eats, the bacteria in their mouth produces an acid reaction as the carbohydrates are digested. This reaction takes about 20 minutes to complete. During this time, the corrosive environment can eat away at the tooth structure, causing cavities.

Saliva consistency plays a role as well; thinner saliva breaks apart and washes away food more quickly. When a person consumes a high-carbohydrate, high-sugar diet, their saliva thickens, allowing more acid-producing bacteria to thrive, which can lead to cavities.

Cavity Prevention Advice

  • Meals and snacks should be consumed infrequently.
  • Brushing, flossing, and rinsing should all be encouraged.
  • Keep an eye on what your child consumes.
  • Give your youngster sticky meals as little as possible.
  • Make treats a regular part of your meals.
  • Snack on healthy foods.

The two bottom front teeth are the first teeth to appear in the mouth. When your infant is about 6-8 months old, you will notice this. The four upper front teeth will erupt next, and the rest of your baby’s teeth will appear in stages. Until the youngster is about 2 1/2 years old, they will normally appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw.

Your child should have all 20 teeth by the time he or she is two and a half years old. The first permanent teeth will erupt between the ages of 5 and 6. Some permanent teeth replace baby teeth, while others do not. Don’t be concerned if some teeth come in a few months early or late; every child is different.

Baby teeth are vital because they help with chewing, biting, speaking, and appearance as well as holding room for permanent teeth. As a result, it is critical to follow a balanced diet and practice good hygiene on a daily basis.