The thought of taking your child to the dentist for the first time may seem a little daunting. How will they sit still the whole time, or how will they react to someone looking in their mouth for an extended period? are questions every parent thinks about before their child’s first dental appointment. While many parents think that their child should be around five or six years old before going to the dentist for the first time, dentists actually recommend bringing your child in for their first dental appointment around their first birthday. Waiting until your child is about to start kindergarten before letting a dentist look over their teeth may prove to be too late. Many children can develop tooth decay at a young age, and having a dentist check in on your child’s oral health will help to avoid or quickly repair damaged teeth.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Appointment

As soon as you start seeing teeth emerging from your baby’s gums, it is time to start brushing. A gentle tooth scrub a couple times a day is a simple way to keep those new teeth healthy. As more teeth come in and your baby’s first birthday approaches, it is time to schedule their first dental appointment. A pediatric dentist will give your child a thorough examination of their mouths and their teeth. A baby’s first dental appointment is just as much for education for the parents as it is for the oral exam. Your family dentist can answer questions about how best to brush your child’s teeth because it can be difficult if your child is not cooperating. They can also give you tips to help keep your child’s mouth healthy like:

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day
• Floss their teeth as soon as two teeth are touching
• Avoid letting your child snack at night
• Take away their pacifier
• Begin transitioning to using a cup instead of a bottle.

What to Look for in a Dentist

Finding the right dentist for your child may take some searching. But there are a few things to think about that can help you narrow down what kind of dentist you want for your child. A few things to look for are:

• Atmosphere is everything, and your child will certainly be more at ease in a child-friendly environment. You will want to know how the dental staff and dentist interact with children and if they are experienced with treating children. Finding a friendly, welcoming dental office to introduce your child to can give them the foundation they need to carry on good oral hygiene habits and schedule routine appointments throughout their lives.
• Highly recommended dentists are definitely worth looking at closer. Seeing great reviews online is one thing, but having a family member or friend recommend a dentist for your child is even better because you can ask more specific questions about their experience.
• Your comfort is also important at your child’s dental appointments. You need to feel comfortable asking questions about your child’s oral health. Meeting the dentist before scheduling your child’s first dental appointment will help you to be relaxed, knowing your dentist is easy to communicate with.

If you are looking for a friendly and welcoming environment for your child’s first dental appointment and you are living in Coralville, IA, look no further than Coral West Dental. Get your child’s first appointment scheduled today!