FIRST PEDIATRIC VISIT
Your child's first dental appointment should take place by his or her first birthday - preferably when the first tooth appears. During this appointment, we check the development of your infant's teeth and gums. Dr. Brenner or Dr. Levy will talk with you about your baby's feeding patterns and oral habits, and will offer advice about cleaning your baby's new teeth. Our goal is to help prevent dental problems, which can begin very early. The first appointment lays the foundation for you and your baby to establish good oral health care and healthy habits, to encourage a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
The First Preventive Visit
On your child's third birthday, we recommend scheduling his or her first preventive visit with our dental hygienist. Dr. Brenner and Dr. Levy recommend the following guidelines to making your child's first visit a positive experience.
Make a morning appointment, so your child is rested. If possible, leave siblings at home and use this as a special time for you and your child.
At this appointment we will:
- Examine your child's teeth, gums and bite.
- Perform a dental cleaning and treat teeth with a topical fluoride application.
- Take any necessary digital x-rays for a complete evaluation.
- Discuss our findings with you and make appropriate recommendations.
Dental health is a priority for you and your child. We can help you encourage your child to form healthy habits that will become part of a daily routine. Brushing, flossing, and keeping sugary foods and drinks to a minimum can lead to good oral health for your child. At the first dental visit and at every subsequent visit, we will reinforce these good, healthy habits.
Preparing Your Child for the First Preventive Visit
- Tell your child about positive and pleasant dental care experiences.
- Stress the importance of taking proper care of your teeth, including visiting the dentist regularly.
- Tell your young child about the visit on the day of his or her appointment.
- Refer to the doctor as "our friend" when mentioning the dentist or during introductions.
- Don't offer rewards for going to the dentist or otherwise suggest that there is something to fear.
Try to convey that dental visits are a normal part of growing up and important for being healthy.