If you’re a new parent in Acadiana or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve had a little one, you’ve probably heard that your child should have their first dental visit by age 1.
It’s one of those parenting milestones that sneaks up on you, somewhere between the first steps and first words.
Now that you’ve scheduled an appointment for your child, you’re probably wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Below, we’ll provide information so you know what to expect during your child’s first dental appointment.
While every dentist is different, what follows is how our practice handles young patients, and it generally applies to most first dental visits.
What You Can Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
The very first thing we do during your child’s first visit is focus on getting to know them and helping them feel comfortable at the dentist. We want them to feel at ease in a new environment. Usually, we’ll have them sit in the chair, maybe lay back if they’re comfortable with it, and practice opening their mouth.
Our pediatric dentist will take a quick look at your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw, and let you know what to expect next when it comes to their oral health. We’ll check for any early signs of dental issues and talk with you about any concerns you might have.
Depending on how your child’s teeth look and how comfortable they are, we might clean their teeth or take X-rays.
But, sometimes kids are a little too nervous for this, and that’s totally fine. In those cases, it might be best to hold off on any actual dental work. We’ve seen children respond in different ways. Some kids jump right in, and others need a little more time to warm up. Both are completely normal.
Tips for Easing Your Anxiety About Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
It’s totally normal for parents in Acadiana to feel a little nervous before their child’s first dental visit. A lot of parents feel the same way. It’s a new experience, and it’s hard to know what to expect.
You might be wondering how it’ll go or how your child will react. Will there be tears? Will they sit still? What if they hate it?
Here are a few things you can do to ease your anxiety:
Remember That Unpredictability is Totally Okay
A trip to the dentist, or any doctor, is a brand-new experience. Some kids handle it like champs, while others might get upset, and that’s perfectly fine. Every child adjusts to new places and people at their own pace.
We expect that, which is why during first visits we focus on helping your child feel safe and comfortable. That first appointment is all about getting to know your child and starting to build trust. It’s the beginning of what we hope will be a positive, long-term relationship with dental care.
Prep Them Beforehand
Another helpful approach for older children is preparing them so they have an idea of what to expect. Kids do better when they aren’t completely surprised by new situations.
This preparation might include:
- Talking about what your child can expect during the visit
- Watching cartoons about going to the dentist, like Daniel Tiger
- Showing them pictures of the dentist’s office
- Playing “dentist” at home
- Reading books that show what dental visits are like, such as:
Most pediatric dental offices will also let you bring your child in for a quick visit before the actual appointment so they can get familiar with the surroundings. We call these “happy visits.”
No treatment, just a chance to see the office, meet some of our team, and maybe sit in the chair for a minute. These types of visits are especially helpful if your child has special needs or sensitivities to certain sensory inputs.
Trust Your Pediatric Dentist
Your pediatric dentist and dental hygienists have years of experience working with children of all ages, and they see kids every day in their practice. We’ve seen all kinds of reactions and behaviors during dental visits.
We know how to handle it when a child feels anxious or uncomfortable. That might mean explaining things in kid-friendly language, using fun distractions, or even rescheduling for a day when your child might be more open to it. We get that it can be tough and we’re always focused on creating a positive experience without any judgment.
And even despite all the training and tricks we have up our sleeves, many children cry throughout their first visit–and that’s ok! We are strangers to them and they will eventually get used to us—the important thing is not to delay their first visit simply because of a fear your child will not accept the visit.
Read more: A New Parent’s Guide to Baby Dental Care
Conclusion
Your child’s first dental visit can feel a little overwhelming for parents, especially if you’re new to it. Many adults deal with their own anxiety about dental visits too.
That’s exactly what we focus on at our dental practice: taking the time to connect with each child in a calm, positive, and non-threatening way. We truly care about the person behind that growing smile, not just the teeth we’re examining. These early experiences have a big impact on how children will feel about dental care for the rest of their lives.
As one of the leading pediatric dental practices in Lafayette and the Acadiana area, we dedicate whatever time is needed to build trust and comfort, really listen to parents’ concerns, and treat every child with genuine kindness, patience, and empathy. We believe great dental care for kids should never be rushed.
Ready to schedule your child’s first dental visit? You can request an appointment online or give us a call with any questions about our services.