What To Expect At Your Child's First Dentist Appointment

Is it time for your little one’s first dentist appointment? Then in our experience, you as the parent may be feeling a bit anxious.

Experts recommend bringing in a child for their first dental assessment as soon as their first tooth erupts, and no later than their first birthday. It can be strange to even picture a baby in the dentist’s office, but this milestone moment is incredibly important to ensuring your child’s teeth develop healthily.

And to curb a few of your nerves, here are some things you can expect during your child’s first pediatric dentist appointment:

1. It Will Be Fast

A child’s first dental appointment often lasts around 30 minutes at most. Especially if the child is very young, the consultation will often be quite speedy, but we’ll take the time to answer any questions you may have.

2. It Will Be Painless

You don’t have to worry about your child experiencing any pain during their first appointment.

The dentist will simply examine your child’s oral health to make sure everything is in order. They will look at the erupted teeth and their gums, and if they notice anything a bit concerning, they may provide a few recommendations for treatment.

3. It May Involve a Gentle Cleaning

Depending on the child’s age, the pediatric dentist may recommend a gentle professional cleaning, but this is only if they notice a bit of plaque and tartar build-up on the child’s teeth.

Usually, the first visit can include a full exam of the teeth, bite, gums, and other oral tissues, without needing other interventions.

‍4. It Will Be Very Informative

The baby’s first dental appointment is typically more about the parent than the child. After examining your baby’s oral health, the dentist may provide you with more recommendations on how to improve oral hygiene at home.

This is also the moment when parents may want to address any concerns regarding their child’s oral health development, such as how the pacifier may affect tooth development, and the best time to wean their child off it.

5. It Will Set the Stage for Future Appointments

The first trip to the dentist is an opportunity for your child to be exposed to the dentist’s office and become more comfortable with it. This can be incredibly useful later on, during subsequent consultations, as your child will have a relationship with both the dentist and the environment.

Book a Consultation at Lakeside Dental Today

If you’re approaching this exciting milestone, our Lenoir City dentist at Lakeside Dental would be happy to provide your child with their first oral examination.

Book an appointment at Lakeside Dental online.

Want to learn more about our services? Then feel free to call us at 865-635-4999 for a short chat.