What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

What to expect at the first dental visit

Wondering how that first dental visit is going to go?

Is it time to start taking your child to the dentist? While some parents choose to wait, many dentists recommend that you take your child for their first dental visit before their first birthday.

This might sound early, but a great pediatric dentist can teach you how to take care of your child’s new teeth during this first dental visit. This sets your child up for better dental health in the future. Your dentist can also catch certain issues early on, like abnormalities in baby teeth or insufficient early cleaning habits. Many parents underestimate the importance of baby teeth for a child’s health.

If you’re wondering how that first visit is going to go, we’re here to explain. Keep reading to learn all about what you can expect from your child’s first dentist’s appointment.

A Kid-Friendly Environment

When you find the right pediatric dentist, you know that you’re going to a dentist’s office that’s kid-friendly. It shouldn’t be intimidating or bland.

Your dentist’s office should put your child at ease with fun colors, things to do in the waiting room, and a lot of room to sit comfortably while they wait. They should feel welcome from the moment that they enter the door!

You want your child’s first dentist experience to be calming and positive. An environment that’s made for kids is a great way to ensure that.

Helpful Staff

The staff members at your new dentist’s office understand that this could be a new experience, not just for your child, but also for you! If this is your first child, you may never have had to take a kid to the dentist before. You may even be behind on dental visits yourself.

The staff is happy to help. They want to make sure that both you and your child have a great dental experience, so don’t hesitate to talk to them and let them guide you through the process.

From the staff at the front desk to the hygienists, all the way through to your child’s dentist for pediatrics, everyone should be working together to give you a calming and reassuring experience.

Communication About Your Questions and Concerns

It’s normal to have questions and concerns after you’ve found a new pediatric dentist. Whether you’re already at your appointment or you’re still in the planning stages, never hesitate to communicate or ask for further communication if you don’t understand something.

When your child is with the dentist, you’ll be right alongside them (at least while they’re young). This is a great opportunity to discuss everything with the dentist.

It’s a good idea to come with a list of questions either on paper or on your phone. This way, you don’t have to remember what you were going to ask when you’re already trying to manage your child during this new experience.

Some great questions to ask are:

  • How can I improve my child’s dental hygiene?
  • What foods should my child be avoiding for their teeth?
  • When should I start considering early orthodontic treatment?
  • Do you see any potential problems, like a cavity?
  • How do you handle extractions or fillings with young patients?

If you’ve noticed anything concerning about your child’s dental health, don’t hesitate to bring it up. Your new dentist is an expert, and they’ll likely see anything that you should be concerned about, but it’s helpful to note if your child has been complaining about pain or avoiding one side of their mouth when they eat.

Don’t worry about asking too many questions! Your pediatric dentist is happy to explain everything to you so you leave the dentist’s office feeling calm and confident about your child’s health.

An Office Tour

One part of creating a comfortable experience for new patients is taking them on a tour of our facility. While there isn’t much to look at in the dentist’s office, it might be reassuring for both you and your child to get acquainted with the area.

Children like familiarity. By going on a quick tour, your child gets to see everything before they’re in the dentist’s chair. This makes it all a lot less frightening!

This experience also lets your child get to know the dentist or other staff members. When they start associating the dentist’s office with friendly faces, they’re more likely to be happier and comfortable next time they need a visit.

Calm, Comfortable Exam Experience

When it’s time for the actual exam, you want your child to have a calm and comfortable experience. They shouldn’t feel pressured or uncomfortable at any point.

Great pediatric dentists know how to talk with children, and they can gauge their comfort levels with ease. While dentists who specialize in adult dental care can also provide care for children, they may be less comfortable communicating with them.

Doctors Highly Skilled in Working With Children of All Ages and Special Needs

As we mentioned, pediatric dentists know how to communicate with kids. It takes a lot of time and experience to know how to keep kids comfortable in a medical office, and they’ve put that time and effort in. Your dentist is adept at treating patients from their toddler years to their teen years. They should also be great at treating children with special needs. At Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska, all children are welcome. We are highly experienced in caring for children with sensory processing disorders and autism, so you know that your child’s dental health is in good hands.

Are you prepared for your child’s first dental visit?

With all of this in mind, are you ready to take your child for their first dental visit? Taking care of their oral health early on is a great way to teach your child to develop healthy dental hygiene habits. Take them to a great pediatric dentist and give them a strong start!

If you’re looking for a “pediatric dentist near me,” we’re here for you! Feel free to contact us and plan your visit today.