What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child’s first dental visit should take place within six months after their first tooth appears. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment within six months after their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. Scheduling early helps your child feel comfortable with our dentist and team before any concerns develop.
Bringing your child in for their first dental checkup before problems arise builds trust and confidence. It also gives parents the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance tailored to their child’s needs.
What Happens During the First Dental Appointment?
During this first dental visit, we’ll show you how to clean your child’s teeth properly, discuss diet and fluoride needs, and recommend oral care products. Similar to your first visit with a pediatrician, we’re here to answer specific questions about your baby’s teeth and ensure everything looks healthy from the very beginning.
Our team will review fluoride needs and recommend age-appropriate oral care products. If necessary, we may suggest preventive treatments to protect your child’s smile. Most importantly, we create a positive experience so your child associates dental visits with comfort and care.
What Do We Check for in Toddlers?
For toddlers, we at Speedway Pediatric Dentistry carefully examine the teeth and gums for signs of decay or other concerns. If needed, we recommend a gentle cleaning to remove plaque buildup. We also check for habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, finger sucking, and teeth grinding, which can affect tooth alignment and jaw development.We monitor spacing, bite patterns, and overall growth to ensure everything progresses properly as your child grows.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first dental visit, you may reach out to us anytime. Contact Speedway Pediatric Clinic to get started.