April 3, 2023
Your little one is growing up before your eyes and hitting new milestones every day. In fact, it may be time for their first dental checkup before you know it! Dental experts recommend that a child’s first dental visit should be within six months of their first tooth erupting or before their first birthday (whichever comes first). While this may seem early, your son’s or daughter’s little pearly whites are vulnerable to cavities as soon as they’re visible, so being proactive about their oral health can help keep their smile healthy for life. Here’s what you need to know about your children’s first dental visit in Anthem, AZ.
Preparing for Your Child’s First Dental Visit
In most cases, a child’s first dental checkup is short and involves very little treatment. Instead, the main goal is to simply introduce them to all the new sights, sounds, and friendly faces of their dentist’s office. A smooth first appointment will help your son or daughter associate dental care with positive memories.
There are plenty of ways to help your child prepare for their upcoming dental visit! Talk to them about what’s going to happen using a positive, upbeat tone. You can read children’s books or watch cartoons about dental checkups and even practice for their visit by having them open their mouth so you can count their teeth.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Appointment
At your little one’s first visit, your Anthem children’s dentist will inspect their teeth and jaw to see if their development is on track. Sometimes, they may take X-rays as well. They’ll be looking closely for hidden injuries, cavities, and warning signs of any other oral health issues. Once they’ve gone over their findings with you, they’ll be happy to discuss the best ways to care for your son’s or daughter’s smile at home and answer whatever questions you may have. Then, they’ll clean your child’s teeth until it’s gleaming and fresh!
Throughout your little one’s appointment, you can sit in the dental chair with your child on your lap if they can’t or don’t want to sit in the chair alone. Dental checkups can be a new and somewhat overwhelming experience for your son or daughter, so it’s completely normal if they cry or wiggle during their exam. The key is to stay calm and relaxed yourself, and remember that your dental team has handled plenty of tantrums before!
Tips for a Great first Visit
There are a few simple tips you can use to help make your child’s first dental checkup go as smoothly as possible:
- Schedule their appointment for a time when they’re typically comfortable, rested, and in a good mood.
- If possible, arrive early so they can play with the waiting room toys and get used to the office.
- Ask your dentist if your son or daughter can bring their favorite toy or blanket to their appointment.
- Consider rewarding your child’s good behavior with a small toy, healthy treat, or fun outing.
Your little one’s smile is precious, so make sure you’re taking great care of it from the very start. Remember, a great first visit can set them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles!
About the Practice
Anthem Dentistry has been serving smiles of all ages in Anthem, Phoenix, and the surrounding communities for many years. Our kind, experienced dental team goes above and beyond to make every visit as pleasant as possible, especially if it’s time for your little one’s very first appointment. With a variety of children’s dental treatments such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and more, we can help them achieve optimal oral health. If you have more questions about your child’s first dental checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at (623) 246-4741.