How to Make Your Child’s First Dental Visit a Success

Babies are born with 20 partially formed teeth in their jaw and these primary teeth are just as important as permanent adult teeth. They help your child chew and speak and make space for the permanent teeth to erupt. 

According to the American Dental Association, the first teeth to appear are the four front teeth called the central incisors. They emerge when your baby is between 6 to 12 months old.

Parents should consider taking their children in for their first dental visit as soon as these first teeth erupt. Getting toddlers and infants dental help early on helps keep their teeth healthy and promotes overall development. 

Dr. Kendall S. Wood, DDS, and Dr. Mathew C. Schapper, DMD, at Dental Health PC in Corvallis, Oregon, offer pediatric dental assessments and treatments to ensure children grow up to fulfill their potential. 

In this blog, we give parents some helpful advice on how to turn their child’s first dental visit into a success.

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Booking an Appointment

Visiting any medical establishment is not very exciting for children. As parents, you shouldn’t make their first dental visit harder than it needs to be. 

So, here are a few tips to keep in mind before booking a consultation:

Schedule an appointment in the morning

Your child is more likely to be on their best behavior in the morning after a good night’s rest.

Create a positive impression about dental visits

Talk about dental visits in a positive tone. Children are sensitive to negative comments and may refuse to accompany you to the dentist if they feel something is off. Never use dental visits to bribe them or scare them into compliance.

Don’t be anxious

Your child can sense if you have any anxiety as regards the dental visit. Even if you do, remember that the dentist is on your side, working to ensure your child’s development is on schedule.

Make sure they eat before a visit

A hungry child does not make a good patient. Make sure they have had a small meal and brush their teeth before visiting the dentist.

Prepare them in advance

If you are planning your child’s first dental visit, take steps to prepare them in advance. Watch interactive videos or read books about dental office visits to show how much fun the appointment will be.

List down your concerns beforehand

It’s common for parents to have concerns about their child’s oral health. So, list out all the questions you may have and get them answered by our dentists. Is your child too dependent on the pacifier? Do they suck their thumb at all times? 

Dr. Kendall S. Wood, DDS, and Dr. Mathew C. Schapper, DMD, at Dental Health PC in Corvallis, Oregon, can offer you easy solutions to solve all your concerns. 

Call (541) 757-1829, request an appointment online or visit our office at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330 to learn more about your child’s oral health.