Taking your child to the dentist for the first time is a big milestone, for both you and them! That said, it’s completely normal for parents to feel a little nervous or unsure about what will happen during that first appointment. The good news, though, is that pediatric dental visits are designed to be gentle, positive, and even fun, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident—which will also help your little one feel the same way. Here’s what you both can expect.
When Should My Child See the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. To put it simply, early visits help your child become comfortable at the dentist and allow the team to monitor healthy growth and development. While this might seem early, it isn’t—and it can make a monumental difference in starting your child’s smile off on the right course.
What Happens During the First Visit?
A first dental appointment is usually focused on comfort rather than treatment, and things shouldn’t feel drawn-out or stressful. During the visit, you can expect:
- A gentle examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw
- A check of how the teeth are developing and erupting
- A simple cleaning, if appropriate
- Helpful tips on brushing, flossing, and other dental health factors
Most importantly, your child’s dental team will take the time to build trust and make your little one feel welcome and comfortable throughout each stage of the visit. These offices are designed with children in mind, from cheerful décor to kid-friendly language being used. Couple this with a staff that’s trained to work with young smiles, and it’s easy to feel very reassured.
Children often take emotional cues from their parents, so if you’re able to feel relaxed and confident about their dental care, they will, too! That said, trust their dental team to guide the visit, since they’re the smile experts!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian, our team serves families in Nashua and the surrounding communities. We proudly offer a wide range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services for children of all ages, including dentistry for infants in a gentle, calming environment. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for your child, you can contact us online or call us for more information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.