When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

By Dr. Camps Team

There are a lot of things that parents need to consider as they raise a child. When should you have their first appointment with a pediatrician? What kinds of foods should you feed them? And so on. Perhaps one of the most important things you’ll need to consider, and something many parents might unintentionally overlook, is when your child will have their first dental appointment. As soon as your child’s teeth begin coming through, those teeth need to be cared for, even though they’ll lose them in the future.

When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Determining when your child should first see the dentist is actually fairly straightforward. As soon as your child’s first tooth comes through, you should schedule that first appointment with a pediatric dentist. The appointment should ideally be scheduled before the child’s first birthday. If your child has yet to have their teeth come in after their first birthday, you should go ahead and schedule that appointment anyway. There could be something that needs to be investigated if their teeth have yet to appear.

What Should I Expect from My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Your child’s first dental appointment won’t be anything complex or invasive. The dentist will perform a basic exam in order to ensure that your child’s teeth are healthy, as well as how the rest of their teeth are coming in. They will also examine your child’s jaw during this time, making sure that there are no abnormalities. Usually, your child will be seated next to you in a dental chair or will sit in your lap during the appointment. The dentist will check for any injuries or cavities, as well as any other issues. The dentist will then clean your child’s teeth and advise you on further care at home.

How Should I Choose A Dentist?

Care should be taken when choosing a dentist. Read plenty of reviews and listen to word of mouth from family and friends if you can. Choose a dentist that is able to make your child feel at ease as much as possible. You also may want to visit the office first and make sure that it’s child-friendly, with toys and bright colors.

You should always feel free to ask as many questions as possible when it comes to the care of your child and their precious smile. Call us today for more information!