Time to go to the dentist

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. The first relationship your child has with a dentist can leave a lasting impression.

How can I prepare my child for the first dental visit?

Fun, not Fear

You can make your child’s first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Tell your child in advance that someone will look at their teeth and clean them. Try showing them pictures of dentists, or have fun role-playing, acting like you or your child is the dentist.

I prefer that a parent be present for the examination of any child under the age of three. Sometimes, I ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold the young child in their lap during the first few examinations. It can also be helpful to bring your younger children along for an older sibling’s dental visit so they can get accustomed to the office and to the people. As children get older, they are usually happy to be “grown up” and willing to sit in the chair alone while they send their parents back to the waiting room.

At the first visit, I will examine your child’s mouth for early signs of decay and other problems. I will tell you many of the things you need to know about helping your child grow up cavity free. Make sure your child sees a dentist regularly.