Why You Should Schedule the First Dental Visit Early

Posted on 9/21/2021 by Fariba Mutschler

You should schedule your baby's first visit before he or she hits the one-year mark. At this milestone, or when your child's first tooth emerges, we need to see them.

Why This Early?

As soon as a baby's teeth emerge, they can get cavities. Therefore, starting early means being proactive about your infant's dental health. Doing so will eliminate fears of dental visits and help your child maintain the health of their teeth for the rest of their life. By getting your child involved in early dental care, you will have fewer dental problems to worry about in the future.

Preparing for a First Dental Visit

To prepare your child for his first visit, talk about what will happen and stay positive. Have your child practice opening and closing his or her mouth so they will know what to do when we need to examine their gums and teeth. Share books with them or watch videos that cover a first dental visit. The idea is to make the visit positive, not fearful, or negative. You can also ask us about any forms you will need to fill out or ask questions about concerns, such as teething or thumb sucking.

What to Expect

During your child's first dental visit, we will examine the jaw and teeth to make sure they are developing properly. We will seat you in a dental chair with your child in your lap if they cannot sit in a chair alone. We will check for injuries, cavities, or other dental issues. Once we perform an exam, we will clean your child's teeth and provide instructions for at-home daily care. Do not worry about your baby squirming or wiggling. We are used to it. We understand that this experience is new for him or her.

Make sure you do not schedule your child's appointment during his or her regular naptime. Choose a time when he or she will be well-rested or will be more cooperative. If you have not done so already, schedule your child's first appointment now. We can arrange a time that will be good for both you and your baby.

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

Get in Touch!

PHONE
(971) 470-0054

Email
portland@greatgrins.net

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Appointment

Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Great Grins for KIDS Portland, 13908 SE Stark Street, Ste C, Portland, OR 97233-2161 / (971) 470-0054 / portlandchildrensdentist.com / 10/4/2024 / Related Phrases: pediatric dentist Portland /