Cavities are very common in kids. The good news is—they can be prevented with early dental care. Although a first pediatric dentist appointment may feel intimidating, it plays an important role in building healthy habits and preventing future complications. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that children see a dentist within 6 months after their first tooth comes in, and by age one at the latest, as cavities can develop as soon as teeth appear. To ensure that you are ready to take your child to their first dentist appointment, there are a few items to know about dentistry for children, things to remember to bring along to your visit, and best practices for maintaining those teeth as they come through.

Baby Teeth 101: Why They’re Important

Baby teeth, which dentists often refer to as primary teeth, are more important than one may think. Primary teeth stay with your child up until they are around 12-13 years old, and although this may not be the majority of their life, they are important for their early development. These teeth allow your child to grow and physically develop properly by eating nutritious meals, including lean meat, fruits, and veggies. They also help your child socialize and stay on track as they enter school. Dentistry for children plays an essential role in maintaining good oral health, as children with poor dental health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental problems. These teeth are a part of your child as placeholders for what will eventually become their adult teeth, and help guide adult teeth into the right place. When these teeth are not cared for, this can lead to pain, tooth loss, and problems with adult teeth later.

From Kindergarten dental screenings aimed at checking your child’s mouth for tooth decay and potential oral health issues, to regular dentist visits and oral hygiene care at home, it is important to establish oral hygiene habits that your child will carry with them for years to come.

Prepping for Their First Dental Visit

It’s natural for both parents and children to feel a little nervous when visiting a pediatric dentist. There are practices that you can be doing at home to get your child ready to visit the dentist. By wiping your baby’s gums with a clean washcloth when they’re a newborn, brushing the first tooth as soon as it erupts, and adding in a small amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are a bit older, you’re showing them practices that will help set them up for success at the dentist’s office. Sharing helpful videos, dental educational materials, talk about brushing and show them how you do it.

The dentist can be a positive experience. Consistent oral hygiene practices at home make adding a new component to their dental care routine go smoothly for their first visit.

What to Know About the Visit

Your child’s first dental visit, ideally by their first birthday, is all about checking your child’s teeth and helping you learn what to do at home. During this appointment, the dentist will go through the following process:

• Examine your child’s gums and count teeth
• Evaluate how teeth are coming in and check how the adult teeth are developing underneath
• At times, take X-rays to evaluate future tooth growth and check for cavities in between the teeth
• Light cleaning
• Put a protective coating called fluoride on the teeth to help prevent cavities

Being prepared for your visit also helps both you and your child feel confident and ready. Be sure to complete any required paperwork (legal guardians, please see our website for required paperwork) before the appointment and bring your photo ID, insurance card if applicable, the child’s medical/dental history, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the dental care team.

Feeling prepared for your pediatric dentist visit allows the dental staff to provide the best patient-centered care that they can, so your visit runs smoothly. Your dentist will recommend that you begin brushing your child’s teeth with a “smear” or “rice-sized”l amount of toothpaste, flossing once teeth begin to touch, offer tips for teething, and talk through bottle vs. sippy cup transitions. Overall, the first visit is meant to establish your child’s relationship with the dentist, make sure that your child’s smile is developing healthily, and equip you with what you need to begin your child’s oral healthcare journey.

MCDC’s Support During Your Child’s First Visit

At My Community Dental Centers (MCDC), we understand your child’s first dental experience shapes how they feel about oral health for years to come. Our team takes the best care of your child and your family dentistry needs. From that very first visit through every stage of development, we are here to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright for years to come.

We work closely with parents and caregivers to answer questions and walk you through what to expect when you visit us to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. Your child’s smile matters, and here at MCDC, we are here to support you through family dentistry care every step of the way. Schedule your child’s next visit with MCDC and give their smile the healthy start it deserves.