Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Your child’s first dental appointment is an important step toward a lifetime of good oral health and can help prevent unnecessary anxiety or dental phobias.

Most children should officially be seen by age 4, but it is very important to have them accompany a parent during routine dental checkups beforehand so they can observe what happens. Around ages 3 to 3½, let your child sit and watch while the parent has their appointment. At the end of the visit, let them sit in the dental chair and go for a “ride.” Every child is different—some hop right up, while others cower in the corner. Never force them to do anything during these first unofficial visits. As dentists, we are trying to gain their trust. We always let them visit the “treasure chest” for a prize. Sometimes they’ll let us count their teeth with a mirror, and sometimes they won’t.

When it’s time for their official appointment at age 4, they are, in most cases, ready and willing. Always try to make the experience fun and educational. Never force the first few interactions; instead, allow children to become comfortable at their own pace.

A few recommendations for parents: Never put your child to bed with a bottle unless it contains only water. Milk and juices contain sugars that can be harmful to primary teeth if they are “bathed” in them all night long. While it may help a child sleep through the night, it can be very destructive to their teeth.

Secondly, establish a bedtime routine that includes one or two minutes of brushing your child’s teeth. Starting this habit early makes it much more likely to become a lifelong routine with lasting benefits.

Teaching young children effective oral hygiene techniques is one of the best ways to protect their teeth and help them develop a daily oral health routine. As I always say, “Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you!”