As a parent, you may have several questions about your child’s first dental appointment. How often should my child have a checkup? What should I expect to happen during the first checkup? How should we prepare? Have no fear! We are here to help guide our clients through the process of keeping their children’s dental care a top priority before and after their first dental appointment. To calm the nerves of your child, please use this article to explain their first dental checkup.
Regular checkups happen every six months, starting at the age of two. When your child starts to eat food regularly, dental hygiene becomes crucial. Children should start to brush daily with a non-fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a week. This will help prevent “little surprises” like cavities at the first meeting.
Prior to your child’s first checkup, you can download their paperwork from our website under the “About” tab, or arrive 15 minutes early to fill everything out before the appointment. Once all paperwork is completed, you and your child will be escorted back for the checkup. We feel it is very important to allow parents to sit chairside with their children during all checkups; we find it comforting for both the child and the parent!
As the checkup starts, a bib (lead apron) will be placed on the child and pictures (x-rays) will be taken of the mouth. We use lead aprons and digital films to help reduce the amount of radiation received. Radiation from a dental x-ray is extremely small. We are very careful to minimize the exposure of radiation to your child.
When the doctor comes in, he will count (take tooth measurements and check gum health) your child’s teeth. This will be followed by a gentle cleaning. The doctor will instruct you and your child on proper ways to brush and floss.
To finish this big appointment, your child receives a treat! Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, you may now schedule your next six-month appointment.
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