My First Trip to the Office
Generally, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth comes in. To make sure your child develops healthy dental habits, seeing the dentist early and regularly will really help. Your dentist can teach your child proper dental care, helping them prevent tooth decay and live a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.
Tips to help with your child’s first dentist appointment:
Prepare your child
You can get your child used to a dentist check-up at home before ever scheduling their first appointment. You can do this early for babies by wiping their gums with a soft cloth after meals or gently brushing their tooth with a soft toothbrush. Doing this before their first appointment will get them used to having someone exam inside their mouth. If your child is older, give them a general idea of what to expect and explain why going to the dentist is important.
Prepare yourself
Be ready to answer general health questions about your child and bring your photo ID and any insurance cards you might need. If you have questions for the dentist, feel free to ask.
Remember, everyone should have regular check-ups with the dentist no matter what their age. By bringing your child in for their first dental appointment, you’re already making sure that they are learning good oral hygiene habits early.