When should my child have their first dental visit?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry your child's first dental visit should be scheduled 6 months after their first tooth erupts or by their 1st birthday.
The First Appointment
One of the most common questions we get asked is,” When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?” At our office, we follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines, which recommend that children have their first dental visit within 6 months after their first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s 1st birthday. If your child is over 1 yrs old, and has not seen a dentist, please don’t worry! We recommend getting your child in when you can to acclimate them to the dental setting and establish a dental home.
Great Marsh Pediatric Dentistry provides early dental care in Georgetown, MA. Call 978-234-4300 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What to expect
We know that new experiences can be stressful for children and families. During your first visit at Great Marsh Pediatric Dentistry, we will get to know your child and playfully introduce them to the dental office. Our team will walk your child through each step of the appointment to gain their trust and confidence. We invite parents to be present and involved to help make your child feel comfortable and take an active role in your child’s oral health.
During your child’s first visit, we will review your their medical and dental history and perform a comprehensive head and neck exam. We will review oral hygiene practices and nutrition, and give recommendations to establish healthy habits for a lifetime of oral health. We will also clean your child's teeth, take any necessary radiographs and apply a fluoride treatment to their teeth.
A first dental appointment for an infant or toddler is very different from an adult patient’s first visit. A significant part of the appointment is talking with the child’s parents or guardian, reviewing the child’s oral hygiene and diet, and giving recommendations to help establish a good routine at home. We encourage parents to come and engage in the visit, prepared with questions for Dr. Marina!
How to Prepare For My Child’s First Dental Visit
Be positive and enthusiastic! This will help set up your child to have a great experience at our office. As with many new experiences, our children look to us to mirror our responses, so if you have any dental anxiety, please do not share it with your child. We will lead them through the appointment using age appropriate, kid-friendly words. If your child has any specific fears or anxieties please let us know ahead of time, so we can best prepare for their appointment. Always feel free to call us with any questions or concerns!
Benefits of Early Dental Care
- Promotes Healthy Habits: Introducing your child to dental care early helps instill good oral hygiene practices that last a lifetime. Our team provides tips and techniques tailored to your child to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home.
- Establishing a Dental Home: We aim to build a lasting relationship with your family, building trust and rapport with your child. With a dental home, comprehensive personalized care is delivered with continuity and consistency.
- Anticipatory Guidance: We educate parents on what to expect as their child's teeth and mouth develop, offering proactive advice to prevent common issues.
- Builds Trust and Comfort: Regular visits help your child become accustomed to the dentist, reducing anxiety and building trust over time.
Why Choose Great Marsh Pediatric Dentistry?
Compassionate Care: At Great Marsh, we believe every child deserves individualized care. Our team takes the time to understand each child’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Family-Friendly Environment: We create a welcoming atmosphere where both children and parents feel comfortable and supported. Our fun, beach-themed office is complete with toys, digital entertainment and many comfort measures to help ensure a stress free visit.
Expertise and Technology: Our use of state-of-the-art technology, including digital radiography, ensures your child receives the highest quality care with minimal radiation exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Dental Care
Are digital radiographs safe for children?
Yes, digital radiographs use minimal radiation and are safe for children. We follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the CDC’s ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) when taking radiographs. We will not take unnecessary radiographs on your child. However, radiographs may be recommended to provide vital information for diagnosing and monitoring your child's dental health and development. Please feel free to call us with any questions.
Why is it important to establish a dental home?
A dental home provides consistent care. You and your child will become familiar with our office and with us and feel comfortable in the office and asking questions and seeking advice.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
We recommend regular visits every six months to monitor oral hygiene habits, development of the dentition and follow any on-going concerns.
How can I help my child develop good oral hygiene habits?
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day! For children 2 and under we recommend a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (think grain of rice size) and for 3 yrs and up, a pea size amount of toothpaste. We recommend flossing teeth when two teeth start to touch. This can be at a different age for every child. Small children will need the help of a grown up to thoroughly brush their teeth until around 1st or 2nd grade.
What role does nutrition play in dental health?
Nutrition plays a big component in keeping a healthy smile. A balanced diet low in sugars and acids helps protect your child's teeth from decay and supports overall health. Try to avoid any hard candies or sticky snacks like gummies, raisins or Sour Patch Kids. Even chips, Goldfish and crackers can linger on teeth and lead to cavities. If possible, we always recommend brushing after any sweet or sticky foods and if not able to brush, drinking some water to help rinse them off your teeth. When choosing treats, chocolate candies and ice cream are better choices, as they melt more easily off your teeth.
Can parents stay with their child during the appointment?
Absolutely! We welcome parents to accompany their children throughout the visit to provide comfort and reassurance and play and active role in their child’s oral health.
