Your Child’s First Visit
Healthy gums and teeth start with early dental checkups. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends having the first visit within six months after your baby’s first tooth appears and no later than the child’s first birthday.
What to Expect
Your child’s comfort and satisfaction are important to us from the very start. The first visit will give your child an opportunity to meet our friendly dental staff so that a relationship can be built. Once we say our hello’s, the dentist will perform an examination to check your child’s gums, bite, jaw, oral tissues, and existing teeth for decay. If necessary, we’ll perform a thorough cleaning, x-ray, and fluoride treatment. After your child’s first visit, we’ll reward them for their courage with a small prize.
Oral Health Education
One of our main goals is to help your child establish and keep strong oral health habits or create better ones. We work to educate our patients on the basics of oral health care. Learning dental habits at a young age will keep teeth and gums healthy for years to come. We’ll teach your child how to properly brush and floss while making the learning process fun. We may discuss several dental topics, including:
- Cavity prevention
- Oral habits
- Proper nutrition
- Importance of regular dental checkups
- Fluoride
Tips for a Positive Dental First Visit
In order to make your child’s first dental visit positive and comfortable, we recommend taking the time to prepare them by reading books and talking about the basics of their dental appointment. When age appropriate we have found it helpful to show your child the video on the homepage of our website. Kids can get a basic idea of what to expect, see the office, and meet some of our staff and amazing dentists. Use words like “they are going to clean your teeth,” “count your teeth,” or “put vitamins on your teeth.” Avoid words like “give you a shot,” “pull your teeth,” or “drill on your teeth.” That way, they’ll know what to expect. You and your child can rest assured that we strive to create a warm, fun, and educational environment.
We proudly serve children of all ages in Pleasant View, West Haven and Farmington, Utah. If you have any questions about your child’s first visit to our Utah dental office, please don’t hesitate to call. We want to ensure that you feel comfortable with your child’s customized dental plan.