Babies are constantly hitting new milestones every day. They usually take their first steps, say their first word, and get their first tooth before they’re even a year old! Did you know that children are supposed to see a dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts? Although it can be nerve-wracking to see your baby in a dental chair, it’s crucial to ensure their smile is off to a healthy start. Read along to learn what to expect during your child’s first dental visit.   

How Should You Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

A child’s first dental visit should not be a surprise to them! To prepare them, talk about what will happen and why seeing a dentist is essential. Try reading books and watching videos together to help them visualize what to expect. Have them practice opening their mouth to get them ready for when their dentist checks their teeth. As a parent, you can prepare by completing any necessary paperwork beforehand and making a list of questions to ask during the appointment.

What Can You Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit?

Depending on how much your child squirms, they might either sit directly in the chair or on your lap. Once they’re comfortable, the dentist will evaluate their mouth to ensure their jaw and teeth are properly developing. They’ll also check for oral injuries, cavities, and other problems. Then, the dentist will clean their teeth and give you tips to take care of your child’s teeth and gums. Before you leave, you’ll have an opportunity to ask the dentist any questions you may have!

Tips to Make It a Great Visit

Are you about for your child’s upcoming dental visit? Here are a few tips to help make it a great one:

• Avoid scheduling an appointment during your little one’s naptime! Instead, plan around it to ensure they’re well-rested and cooperative during their checkup.
• Feed your child a light meal beforehand so they won’t be hungry during the appointment. Don’t forget they must clean their teeth after eating!
• If you have snacks, save them for after their checkup so there won’t be any leftover food on their teeth during the exam.
• Make sure you remind your child that their dentist appointment will be a fun and positive experience. If they become upset during their visit, work in tandem with your dentist to calm them down.

A child’s first dental visit might seem nerve-wracking – but it certainly doesn’t have to be! By preparing them for their first appointment using the tips outlined above, you can ensure they have a wonderful experience and look forward to future visits!

About the Practice

At Fort Dental, our dentists have more than 60 years of combined experience helping families achieve their best smiles. We offer exceptional, comprehensive, individually tailored services that are bound to exceed even the highest patient expectations. Is it time for your child’s first dental visit? Our team uses a gentle approach and treats each child with kindness and compassion – they’ll enjoy their appointment so much that they’ll be excited to return! Visit our website or call (817) 292-5957 to schedule a visit.