First Dental Visit

First Dental Visit

Your child's first visit to the dental office should be around his/her first birthday, but could be as early as you'd like (as soon as the first tooth erupts or even sooner). Here are some Do's and Don'ts.

Do:

• have a tour of the dental office by going in for a casual, friendly, get acquainted visit and checkup

• make an appointment for a visual check of your child's teeth

• have a discussion with your dental hygienist or dentist about oral health care for your child

• familiarize your child with the dental office. Consider taking them along when you or a sibling has a dental appointment

Don't:

• wait for an emergency for the first visit

• over prepare your children for dental visits

• use phrases like "It won't hurt much" or "It won't be too bad". Such phrases do not soothe; they only create anxiety

Some dental offices provide a free first dental visit for children under the age of three.

Call your dental office to find out if they are participating in the program.