What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Appointment

A child's first dentist visit should occur around six months after their first tooth appears. While this may seem young, establishing proper dental hygiene habits early on reduces problems like tooth decay later in life. Early visits also help educate young parents about baby and toddler tooth care, from proper fluoride levels to the best brushing practices. The sooner a child can begin to acclimate to the dentist office, the less likely they are to experience anxiety about the experience as they grow older.

What to Expect During Your Child's First Dental Visit

First visits to the dentist are usually introductory visits between the child and the dentist. The first session may last around 15 to 30 minutes and may include:

  • Gentle examination of the child's teeth, gums, jaw and bite
  • A discussion of any oral problems noticed by the parent
  • If needed, a gentle cleaning to remove plaque buildup and stains
  • Evaluation for X-rays
  • A parent tutorial on proper brushing habits and cleaning
  • A fluoride assessment

Great Lakes Dental's Pediatric Specialty

At Great Lakes Dental, our childs first appointment is called a Happy Toddler visit. The toddler may sit on his or her parent's lap and the appointment is spent helping the child adjust to the environment. Each child is different, so we tailor the appointment to the child and his or her specific needs.

Our experienced dental staff use kid-friendly terms such as "Mr. Thirsty" for the suction tool, "tooth mirror," and "tooth wind" for the air. The dental team goes over home care and diet for the child, and at the end of the visit, the child is presented with a goodie bag that contains dental care needs. As an added bonus, the toddler gets to visit the treasure chest for a toy of his or her choosing! Great Lakes Dental is a family-focused dental care practice. We can cater to all of a family's dental needs under one roof.

At Great Lakes Dental because we have multiple dental hygienists a parent may get a cleaning, while the child— or other members of the family — get their teeth cleaned as well. This gives parents the ability to grow with their children and reassure them, all while providing high-standard, comprehensive dental care. The option to keep it all under one roof makes Great Lakes Dental a great choice for treating kids!

If you have questions about your child's dental care, please contact Great Lakes Dental and schedule a dental consultation today!