Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist
Infants are generally recommended to visit a Pediatric Dentist by the age of one. This is typically six months within their first tooth erupting. You need information and advice on infant feeding practices, baby bottle tooth decay, teething, oral cleaning, finger-sucking habits, and pacifier habits. Your baby’s first visit to the pediatric dentist is important, and you should not take it lightly.
At Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have an experienced pediatric dentist on our team to take care of all of your child’s dental care needs. Dr. Stella Chukwu is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Fellowship from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
What is involved in your baby’s first dental visit, and how should you prepare for it? We would like to share some insights into the topic.
Preparing for the First Visit
- Schedule a morning appointment, as children are most alert then
- Prepare your queries for the dentist
- Remember to avoid being anxious because children tend to pick on parents’ anxieties
What to Expect During the First Dental Visit?
You should expect the first dental visit to be short. We will check all the existing teeth during the examination, which can vary based on your child’s age. We will look for any signs of dental decay, check the bite, and explore any potential gum, oral tissue, or gum problems. The visit can last up to 45 minutes. Based on your child’s age, we may examine the teeth, bite, jaws, gums, and oral tissues.
If any issues are found, we may clean the teeth. The gentle cleaning process includes removing any plaque, stains, and tartar and polishing teeth. We will also educate you about basic oral health care for your child and provide information on dental development.
Some of the common topics that we discuss during your child’s first visit are:
- Prevention of cavities
- Oral hygiene practices for teeth and gums
- Development milestones
- Oral habits such as lip sucking, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting
- Proper nutrition
- Teething
We will also recommend scheduling dental checkup visits every 6 months. This is important to keep track of dental development, treat developing issues, and make your child feel comfortable in visiting the dentist.
Will there be an X-Ray?
Generally, it is recommended to avoid dental X-rays in children unless it is necessary. If decay is found, we may suggest X-rays, depending on your child’s age. They are also required when a jammed baby tooth affects an adult tooth.
With Dr. Stella, you will not have to worry about your child’s anxiousness when visiting our dental office. Over the years, she has developed the ‘magic’ of making children feel relaxed. Having completed two specialty training in dental public health and pediatric dentistry, she has advanced professional expertise in her field of specialization. If you are looking for the right Pediatric Dentist in Washington, DC, choose Rockstar Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.
