The first "regular" dental visit should be just after your child's third birthday. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. The dentist may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

An usual visit to the dentist will consist of gently examine your child's teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums), clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay and most important of all, the dentist will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.

What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Some First Visit Tips

1.     Take your child for a "preview" or online tour of the office.

2.     Read books with them about going to the dentist.

3.     Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.

4.     Speak positively about your own dental experiences

What Will Happen During The First Visit With Your Dentist?

1.   Examination of your child'’s mouth, teeth, and gums.

2.   Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking

3.   Check to see if your child need fluoride

4.   Teach you about cleaning your child’s teeth and gums.

5.   Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.