Baby's First Dental Visit

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"When should I take my child in for their first dental checkup?" is a common question asked by many new parents when their baby's first tooth appears. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests bringing them in around their first birthday.

Visiting the dentist at such an early age surprises a lot of parents, but it's better to be safe than sorry. More and more children are getting cavities by the age of four- many as early as age two. To prevent your child from getting cavities it is critical to understand your child's risk for developing them, and how to manage their hygiene, diet and fluoride exposure. Your child's dentists should be able to provide you will all of the information you need to keep your child's mouth healthy.

Finding The Best Dentist For Your Baby

Not every dentist is comfortable or familiar with treating infants and toddlers. The best way to find a dentist who cares for young children is to:

If you are comfortable with your dentist, call and ask them, "At what age do you recommend that I bring in my child for their first dental checkup?" If they suggest you come in when the first tooth appears or by the child's first birthday, they should be a good fit.Search the term "pediatric dentist" in Google for a list of dentists in your area who specialize in treating children.Ask your family or friends with preschool-age children if they would recommend their dentist.Go to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and click on "Find a Pediatric Dentist."

It's important to find a trustworthy dentist and an office where you and your child feel comfortable, so look for an office that is:

Responsive to you and will tell you about the next steps in your child's oral developmentKind and gentle with your child even if they get fussy when the dentist or hygienist examines themSpecific about how to care for your child's teeth and willing to show you how to do itAvailable for emergency appointmentsHas a waiting area designed for children with books and toys

Preparing For Your Child's First Dental checkup

The intent of the age 1 checkup is for you to learn about your child's dental health and how to care for their specific needs before any problems arise. Most dental issues can be prevented or more easily treated if you and your child's dentist are proactive early on. At the initial visit you will get your questions answered, so it is necessary to consider the things you want to know and what you can expect. To save time and make the first visit go a little smoother, request that the dental office send you the forms they will ask you to fill out. The forms may answer some of your questions and give you an opportunity to list things that you want to discuss. The first visit is like a well-baby checkup at the pediatrician's office. You can expect the dentist or hygienist to:

-Review your baby's history
-Answer your questions and address your concerns
-Discuss your child's overall oral health, including:

DevelopmentTeething and milestonesHow your child's teeth and jaws will align and form a biteHealthy gums and cheeksOral fixations such as chewing and thumb suckingFactors affecting the possibility of cavities, such as diet, hygiene, fluoride use and family history of cavitiesHow to prevent accidents and trauma to your child's mouthShow how to properly brush your child's teeth and allow you to practice in the officeGive specific advice about home care, including the use of toothpasteGive you an idea of what to expect as your child grows and develops

If your child's teeth have stains- which can appear in infants and are not cause for major concern- the dentist or hygienist will likely clean your child's teeth at the first visit. In this case they may also apply fluoride, especially if your child has a particularly high risk of developing cavities.

You might be expecting that your infant will fuss during parts or all of the checkup. However, you may be surprised at how accepting your child can be when the dentist examines them. They may even enjoy the attention and taste of the fluoride.

It is a good idea not to bring other children along with you so that you are free to talk with the dentist or hygienist and focus attention on your child. If possible, bring another adult along with you to remind you of the questions you wanted to ask and offer support. Also bring an extra diaper, snack, favorite toy, blanket or other familiar object that will help your child feel comfortable and know that the dentist's office is a safe place.

After the checkup, the dentist will likely suggest a schedule of follow-up visits. Dentists have typically called for visits every six months in the past, but your child's schedule may vary according to his or her unique needs and risks.