First Visit

Preparing for Your Child’s First Visit

To ensure that your child’s first visit goes smoothly, there are several steps you can take to prepare:

• Discuss the Visit: Talk to your child about the visit beforehand in a positive way. Explain that the dentist is a friend and will help them take care of their teeth.
• Play Pretend: Before the visit, play pretend dentist games at home. You can take turns being the dentist and the patient with your child. This familiarizes them with what will happen during the visit.
• We welcome pre-appointment tours of our office if you believe your child would benefit from becoming familiar with the space before the actual appointment. 
• Choose Timing Wisely: Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is usually well-rested and cooperative. Avoid nap times or late afternoons if your child tends to be cranky during these times.
• Bring Comfort Items: If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, or other comfort item, bring it along to the appointment to help them feel secure and comfortable.
• Use Storybooks and Videos: There are several children’s books and videos about going to the dentist. These can be great tools to make your child feel excited and less anxious about their upcoming visit.
• Stay Positive: Children pick up on parental anxieties, so try to keep any apprehensions you have to yourself. Maintain a positive and calm demeanor before and during the visit.

The Ideal Timing for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This early visit is crucial for several reasons. It allows the dentist to check for the early stages of tooth decay, assess the child’s risk of developing oral diseases, and provide parents with valuable guidance on infant oral hygiene. 

Starting dental visits at a young age helps to establish healthy habits early on, setting the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. Additionally, early visits familiarize children with the dental office environment, reducing anxiety and fear as they grow older.

Why Regular Visits Are Important

Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining good oral health throughout your child’s development. Starting dental visits early helps to:

• Build comfort and trust with the dentist.
• Catch and treat any early signs of dental issues.
• Teach your child that dental care is a regular part of health maintenance.

Our Approach to Pediatric Dentistry

At Young Dentistry for Children, we focus on preventive care and education to avoid dental problems before they start. Our Westminster dental team is specially trained to handle the unique challenges of pediatric dentistry in a compassionate and patient manner. We use child-friendly language and have a variety of tools and techniques to make dental care fun and engaging for children.

A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Starts Here!

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Young Dentistry for Children in Westminster and Louisville, we’re committed to making this experience positive and rewarding. We look forward to welcoming your family to our office and helping your child achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Remember, a great dental care journey begins with a friendly first visit!