What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
What Happens During My Child’s First Visit?
We want your child’s visit to be enjoyable and positive. A comprehensive examination and teeth cleaning often comprises the first visit. Older children may also receive a fluoride treatment and X-rays. It is important that the first visit is a happy one. If very young children are reluctant for their cleaning or X-rays, we may postpone that part of the appointment. Please do not be upset if your child cries. Children are often afraid of anything new and strange, and crying is a normal reaction to that fear. Sometimes only the examination is accomplished. We want your child to leave feeling successful!
When Should My Child Be Seen For the First Time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends initial visits for children starting at age one (1). Many parents often ask us, “But how will you handle my child? He/she/they will not cooperate at this age.” In response, we tell our parents, “Please do not feel apprehensive about bringing your child in to see us.” At age one, we generally do an initial examination which lasts a few minutes. Most of the appointment focuses on prevention information for parents. It is better to get an early start on a preventive program than to avoid the dentist, which may lead to minor dental problems becoming major ones down the road. Also, in most cases, decay grows slowly. Oftentimes if the decay is caught early, there are therapies that can be used to reverse or minimize the decay’s growth.