The thought of visiting the dentist can be an intimidating experience, even for adults. You may never know what a visit will have in store for you, but one thing is for certain: regular visits are extremely important for your oral health.

This also applies to your child. When you’re taking your child for his or her first visit to the dentist, it’s important to remember that you should make this trip as comfortable for your little one as possible. The office, other children crying, the chair, tools on the table, and other factors can make your child feel uncomfortable and nervous.

But your baby’s first trip to the dentist’s clinic need not be a difficult experience. As long as you’re there to comfort your child, the entire visit should go smoothly. It’s recommended that you take your little one on their first dental visit when their first tooth pops in, which should be anytime after six months.

What Happens During Your Baby’s First Dental Visit?

Your child’s first visit to the dentist will normally be short and won’t involve much treatment. It’s important that you give your little one the opportunity to meet his or her dentist in a friendly, non-threatening setting. This will help your child develop a bond with the dentist and not look at them as a source of danger. Sometimes, the dentist might even ask you to wait outside while they have a friendly chat with your child.

During your little one’s first appointment, the dentist will examine all of his or her existing teeth and check for decay or any potential issues with the oral tissue, gums, and jaw. The dentist will also check the strength of your baby’s bite. If the dentist finds any problems during the examination, they will clean your baby’s teeth and give you direction of how to establish good oral habits for your child.

Pediatric Dental Visits: Fluoride Varnish and X-Rays

The dentist may recommend fluoride varnish treatments for your little one to help keep tooth decay at bay. The dentist may perform a fluoride varnish even during the first appointment if they notice any signs of decay or cavities.

It is recommended that you take your child for fluoride varnish treatments at least twice a year. This, however, depends on your child’s eating habits and how likely it may be for your child to develop cavities or tooth decay.

In case you’re worried, fluoride varnish is a very safe dental treatment that is used to prevent children from developing tooth decay and helps to strengthen the enamel on their teeth.

If necessary, the dentist may even perform a dental X-ray on your child during the first visit. This is often suggested for children who have higher risks of developing dental problems such as cavities or decay or children who were born with a cleft lip or palate. It is also more important for children who are about six years old and have their adult teeth to have X-rays taken; this is because it helps the dentist find out if their teeth are growing correctly and if there are any issues with their jaws.

During your child’s first visit to the dentist, make sure you learn correct oral habits for your baby, ways to prevent decay and cavities, and proper nutrition.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit

Contact the office of Dr. Dan Miller, a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist, if you would like to set up an appointment for your child’s first dental visit.