A Child's First Visit to the Dentist

New parents often ask me what age is appropriate for their child's first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants receive an oral health risk assessment by six months of age by either a dentist or pediatrician. Infants at a higher risk of early tooth decay should be referred directly to a dentist as early as six months of age.  Otherwise, infants should see a dentist for that first visit no later than six months after the first tooth erupts or by age one (whichever comes first).

Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit occurs, the better. To protect against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, the dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care. Children, like adults, should see the dentist every six months.  Some dentists may schedule interim visits for every three months when the child is very young to build up a comfort and confidence level, or to treat a developing problem.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), many general dentists treating children are designing their offices to be more child-friendly by providing their young patients with age-appropriate books, video games and movies.  Dentists recognize that they can make a child’s (and the parent’s) dental experience more positive by providing a fun environment so that the child is excited about coming to the dentist’s office.

The AGD offers the following recommendations on how to prepare for the visit and on how to keep your child from being anxious about seeing the dentist:

Parents should ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. The first visit usually includes a gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas. The dentist may also have your child’s teeth cleaned, particularly if your child's teeth have a stain that commonly appears in infants.

Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talking to the dentist beforehand about the best way to communicate with your child about dental visits is often helpful. It is important that parents are reassuring and calm when communicating with their child about the dental visit. Be positive when speaking with your child about what to expect and build excitement about the visit.

For parents who feel their child will be anxious about the visit, ask the dentist if he/she will schedule a pre-visit. Ask the dentist to take your child on a tour of the office, explain the equipment and tools, allow them to sit in the chair and even demonstrate on a family member to help them become comfortable. Ask if the dentist what his/her policy is on allowing a relative to accompany the child in the treatment room. 

Be sure to bring to the child's complete medical history records to the appointment. 

In addition to the overall dental examination, the first dental visit is about establishing a relationship with a dental team you feel comfortable with for you and your child.

By Dr. Andrew Thompson
TenderCare Dental - Portland, Oregonhttp://www.facebook.com/TenderCareDental