What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit
We Believe in an Early Beginning
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children be seen starting at age one. More than one in four children in the United States have cavities by the time they are four years old, sometimes as early as age two. To prevent early childhood cavities, the use of fluoride, thumb sucking, teething, and the relationship between diet and oral health are discussed at this early visit.
What Should I Tell My Child Before the First Appointment?
You can be of great assistance to your child by talking about the visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way. Don’t tell them fearful stories that may cause anxiety.
Schedule morning appointments. Young children tend to feel better and are more cooperative at this time of the day. You may tell your child about the visit the night before allowing it to be the highlight for the next day. An enjoyable beginning results in a great child-dentist relationship.
Your Child’s First Visit
Dental visits are a source of fear for so many children and adults that taking some time to get your child on a really positive start is worth some thought. Creating a great first experience may do your child a service that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.