Tiny Teeth, Big Firsts: How to Prepare for Your Baby’s First Dental Visit
Get ready for baby’s first dental visit.
Babies are adorable when they grin at you with their gummy smiles. And they’re even more adorable when they start showing one or two perfectly shaped baby teeth. It’s important to ensure your child has great oral health from the start.
But do you know when you should bring your baby to the dentist for the first time? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your baby should make their first visit to Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Vancouver by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth has come in. Early visits to your dentist with your baby will help to build comfort with the dental office, as well as healthy oral health habits. Read on to learn more about how parents can prepare for their baby’s first dental visit to Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry.
When to Schedule Baby’s First Appointment
Many parents don’t realize that their baby should come in for their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Coming into the office this early gets your child used to the sights and sounds of the dental office, which can be unfamiliar and cause children to be uncomfortable. The sooner your child is used to what happens at the dental office, the more comfortable they will be during future visits.
Dentists also recommend early visits to the dental office for prevention. Early prevention is key to addressing dental concerns early, before they become large dental issues. Biannual dental visits also allow the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dental to monitor your child’s oral developments, including jaw alignment, bite, and how their teeth come in.
What to Expect During the First Visit
You may be wondering why your child needs to see the dentist if they only have a tooth or two in their mouth. Besides getting your child used to the sounds and sights of the office, the first dental visit will get your child used to having their mouth examined. Your dentist will provide a gentle evaluation of your child’s mouth to check their teeth, gums, and jaw development.
A baby’s first dental visit is also parent-focused. The dental team at Must Love Kids will provide education on oral care, feeding, and teething. One of the most important things you’ll learn is how to clean your baby’s gums and teeth before they are ready for a toothbrush.
To help get your child used to having something in their mouth, dentists recommend using a soft, clean washcloth that is moist with warm water. Gently massage your child’s gums with the washcloth to clean away bacteria. This gets your child used to having something in their mouth, and also provides a gentle massage while your baby is teething.
How to Make the Visit a Positive Experience
A visit to the dentist doesn’t need to be a negative experience. Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s dental appointments during their happiest time of the day. Don’t schedule an appointment during a time where your baby is hungry or during their normal nap time, as that won’t make the visit a fun experience for you or your baby.
At the visit, make sure your child is as comfortable as they can be. If they have a pacifier or favorite comfort toy, allow them to have those items during their visit.
During your child’s first visit to the dentist, the entire evaluation is done while the parent holds the baby in their lap. This allows the child to be comfortable in their parent’s arms. Remember to stay calm, because if you are nervous, your baby can feed off those emotions.
The first dental visit is about getting used to the office and learning about the stages of your child’s oral health, so there is no reason to worry about what happens during this visit.
Schedule your child’s first visit to Must Love Kids today.
If your child is nearing their first birthday and you haven’t made the trip to our Vancouver office, the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry encourages you to schedule your child’s first dental visit today!
Your child’s first dental visit will be quick and easy and really serves as a way to set the tone for future dental visits to the Must Love Kids dental office. At our office, our focus is on children; we want all of our patients to feel comfortable in a dental setting. We are here to support children and parents through their entire dental journeys and hope to see your children at least twice a year, every year.
