What You Should Know about Your Child’s First Dental Visit

When our Peoria patients think about scheduling their child’s first dental visit, we ask them to consider the “three firsts.” 
Child's First Dental Visit
First tooth appears or first birthday happens = first dental visit

The benefits of your child’s first appointment

The reason it’s important to schedule an appointment by your child’s first birthday is because it will help prevent tooth decay, which can affect your child as soon as their first tooth comes in.
Tooth decay is common in young children and can lead to painful consequences, including:

  • trouble eating
  • poor concentration in school
  • difficulty sleeping
  • lower self-esteem

Taking your child to the dentist early and regularly (at least every six months) will help ensure that they stay healthy and happy for many years to come!

How to keep your child comfortable during the first dental visit

Set the stage for a comfortable visit by making sure your child is well-rested before their appointment, such as in the morning. If you’re worried about your child’s visit, don’t voice your concerns to your child—this can cause them to feel anxious. Instead, speak positively about the upcoming visit.
Consider bringing your child’s favorite toy, game, or security blanket to their appointment to keep them in good spirits while they wait.

What happens during your child’s appointment?

At Arise Dental, we will make every effort to ensure that you understand and feel comfortable with the care your child receives. During the first visit, you can expect the following:

  • Dr. Smith will gently examine your child’s mouth for areas of concern, such as injuries, cavities or other issues that are usually very treatable
  • Your child’s dental hygienist will clean your child’s teeth and give you helpful oral care tips
  • We will discuss your child’s teething and any pacifier use or finger/thumb sucking habits that affect dental health
  • We will talk about treatment options, if needed, and schedule your child’s next visit

If your child is ready for their first dental visit and you have questions or need to make an appointment, connect with us today. We’re here to help!