Parents should take their child to the dentist around their first birthday. It is very important for parents to start taking care of their children’s teeth at a very early age. Your child’s first visit should not be any later than 2 years old. Try not to let the appearance of an aching tooth, tooth decay or something worse be the first visit to the dentist. Do not wait for this to happen, instead take your child when gets his or her first tooth. This way, a trust can begin between the dentist and your child. Once the trust has developed than your child will not be afraid to go and get his or her teeth cleaned, or have a cavity filled.

Your child’s first visit to the children’s dentist is a very low-key, comfortable time to get to know the doctor and for the child to become familiar with the routine visit. Your child’s dentist will know what to expect from a short demonstration followed by the dentist performing the routine examination. Most dentists reward children for being good and not crying, which will reinforce the same behavior on the next visit and future visits. The dentist will examine your baby’s teeth and gums. He or she will pay close attention to any sign of baby bottle tooth decay, which is a common problem among babies and toddlers. Your children’s dentistry may recommend some advice for preventing future cavities, such as

1. Giving your child fluoride drops, with an eyedropper, especially, if your water is not fluoridated.
2. Recommend a well-balance diet in baby foods containing plenty of calcium, fruit and vegetables.

Children, like adults, need teeth to chew food and talk clearly. It is just as important for baby teeth to be spaced properly and not rot or fall out before they are supposed to. Your child’s dentist can intervene and stop your baby’s teeth from going bad early in life. After your child’s first visit to the children’s dentistry and gained trust with the dentist, dental care should be given as painless and a positive experience for all involved.

Appointments are scheduled usually at your convenience and when the time is available. Young children should be seen in the early morning because they are more awake and can the dentist can easily work with them better if they are scheduled later in the day. Most schools will excuse the child because of a dental appointment. Missing school will be kept at a minimum when regular teeth care is scheduled. The dentist will mostly allow the parent to stay with their child or baby. However, if you have other children with you, it is better for them to stay with another adult so the dentist can work quietly with your child.

Your child’s first dentist visit should be a calm, gentle time to get to know your dentist and what the appointment is about before any work is done on your baby’s teeth.

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