Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network - Baby's First Dental Visit

Baby's First Dental Visit

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling a visit to the dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday.

The dentist will:

Examine Mouth, Teeth and Gums

Evaluate adverse habits like: Thumb sucking or finger sucking

Identify the child's fluoride needs

Teach the parent how to effectively clean the child's teeth and gums

Suggest a schedule of dental visits for your child, as each child has different needs

It's also important for parents to make dental visits enjoyable for their children. You can help your child feel comfortable in several ways:

Don't let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits or let the child know you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.

Children have "small ears...big minds" try not to let them overhear your stories of dental horror or the stories of others before their all important early visits.

Take your child with you or an older sibling for the first time. Let them play while you or the sibling are having your cleaning.

Read your child some books about visiting the dentist. We have some new suggested reading on the Book Shelf at Robyn's Nest. This will ease their fears and tell them exactly what to expect. Children need to be told what to expect and truthfully.

Reprinted in part, with permission from the ADA and AAPD 2001

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Teething
Teething Chart
Care of Baby Teeth
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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Oral Health in Children