What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

We thank you for considering our practice as your child’s dental home!

During the exam, your infant or child should have every opportunity to feel secure and safe.  If your child does not yet feel comfortable sitting in the chair by themselves, it’s OK.  Many pediatric dentists will ask the parent or caregiver to actively participate in the exam by holding their child on their lap.

At most first visits for infants and toddlers, the dentist examines your child’s teeth, gums, head, and neck.  Pediatric dentists are specially trained to educate parents of infants and very young children about their growing child’s dental needs.  This is formally known as “anticipatory guidance.”  Your child’s dentist will chat with you about such topics as medical history, dental and oral development, determine the need for possible fluoride supplementation, diet, non-nutritive habits (such as pacifier or thumb sucking), prevention of dental injuries, and oral hygiene specifically related to children.

The dentist or another member of our team will also complete a verbal or written oral health risk assessment.  This is a tool that dentists use to help determine how at-risk your child is for developing dental problems in the future.  You and your child’s dentist may discuss how the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be spread from you or your child’s other caregivers directly to your child.  As you can imagine, the first visit is quite comprehensive and should be a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.