{"id":33,"date":"2021-07-25T18:56:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-25T18:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=33"},"modified":"2021-09-01T19:18:37","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T19:18:37","slug":"childs-first-dental-visit-and-what-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/25\/childs-first-dental-visit-and-what-to-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"First Dental Visit: What You Can Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If your child has yet to visit the dentist for the first time, it\u2019s natural to be a bit apprehensive. Fortunately, many pediatric dentists understand the slight fear and nervousness expressed by both parents and their children. This is why most websites include information about a child\u2019s first dental visit<\/a>. If you are ready to learn what you can expect during their initial dental checkup and cleaning, read the following article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When is the Right Time to Schedule the First Visit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is recommended that most children have their first scheduled dental appointment when their first tooth erupts or by the time they reach the age of one. This not only allows for the dentist to establish a baseline for your child\u2019s smile, but it also encourages the start of a long-lasting relationship between you, your child, and the pediatric dentist. By introducing your little one to the sights, sounds, and smells of a dentist\u2019s office early on, you can minimize the potential for dental anxiety to set in later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Expect During the Initial Appointment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the first dental appointment, the pediatric dentist will examine your child\u2019s mouth, jaw, and any developing teeth. If your little one is still a baby or even a toddler, the dentist may have you place your child on your lap to create a more comforting experience. If they\u2019re older, they are free to sit in the dentist\u2019s chair for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After checking for signs of decay, gum disease, cavities, or other abnormalities, a dental hygienist will quickly clean your little one\u2019s teeth (if there are any) and provide essential tips to help you keep their smile clean while at home. You can expect the entire process to be a bit shorter than normal depending on the age of your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to Help Your Child Prepare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always a good idea to prep your child before any new event in their life. Just like you would explain all the animals they might see when visiting the zoo, you can share fun and exciting information about what they can expect when seeing the dentist for the first time. A few tips to make the process easier for everyone include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n