How Can I Help Prepare My Child for Their First Dental Visit?

Are you preparing to bring your child for their first dental visit? We understand that the first dental visit can be overwhelming and even emotional — for children and parents!

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team provide a welcoming environment. Our goal is to make you and your child feel safe and well-cared for.

In this blog, we explain when you should bring your child in for a visit and how you can prepare.

The best time for the first visit

Every child is different and develops at an individual pace, and their teeth are no exception. For the most part, the first tooth usually erupts around the six month mark.

Our team recommends scheduling your child’s first dental appointment six months after the first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, which is in accordance with American Dental Association guidelines.

Preparing for the first visit

Young children — especially babies — can be unpredictable, but here are a few tips and tricks that can help make their first dental visit go as smoothly as possible:

Talk with us before you come

When you schedule your child’s first visit, let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Furthermore, let us know if your child has any health issues or requires additional accommodations, so we can ensure a successful visit before you arrive.

Pick the best time of day

Try to schedule the appointment for when your child is more likely to be calm and not overly stimulated. For example, you could consider scheduling your appointment for after nap time.

Make it fun

New experiences can be overwhelming for young children, but you can take some of the mystery and possible fear out of your child’s first dental visit by showing them what to expect. For example, you could let them watch you brush and floss at home, so they can become familiar with the routine. 

You can also find informative videos online that are designed to prepare children and get them excited for their dental visit. If your child is anxious or doesn’t like to sit still for too long, you can bring their favorite toys or games along for additional support.

Pick a pediatric dental practice

While general dentistry practices can treat children, there’s an advantage in picking a pediatric dental practice. This is because pediatric dental practices specialize in working with children.

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, we do our best to make our little patients and their caregivers as comfortable as possible. And since we’re experts in treating children, we can spot issues early, treat problems before they get worse, and help keep childhood dental problems from occurring in the first place.

To schedule your child’s first visit, or to ask about any other pediatric dental concerns, call 703-483-9933 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.