Your child’s first visit to the dentist is important to establishing healthy habits and good oral health as they grow older. The ADA recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or six months after their first teeth emerge. Regular dental visits are a part of preventive dental care, meaning that routine appointments help stop the development of future oral health issues. At Children’s Dental Specialties, our pediatric dentist office serves patients in Worcester, MA, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Daniel Moheban is proud to provide comfortable pediatric dental care to help children look forward to visiting the dentist.
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Preparing for the Dentist
With regular home care, your child knows that teeth are essential and is used to an adult evaluating their teeth. Additionally, seeing a pediatric dentist in Worcester as early as possible will help your child get used to and be comfortable with seeing their dentist. Talk about going to the dentist as something that’s fun instead of scary. If you’re enthusiastic, your child is more likely to be as well.
Before your child’s first visit, you can also play dentist! Have your child sit in a chair while you count and brush their teeth. You can also watch children’s videos or read books about going to the dentist, so they know what to expect. Be positive about the experience, avoiding any mention of pain or discomfort.
What Happens During My Child’s First Dental Visit?
There are multiple things that we do during your child’s first visit to maintain their oral health:
- Alleviating Dental Anxiety: When your child visits our office, we make sure that they feel as comfortable as possible. We will talk to them during their first visit about their hobbies and answer any questions they have, putting them at ease and explaining what we’re doing in simple terms. Our team will also make sure that your child does not feel any pain or discomfort during their cleaning or examination. We can also recommend anesthetic as needed.
- Full Examination: Our team will fully examine the teeth, gums, and jaw. During an examination, we look for signs of decay like caries or cavities in the teeth, bleeding gums, or gum inflammation. We can recommend treatment for your child based on this examination.
- Dental Cleaning: We carefully clean the smile with a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Then, we will brush and floss your child’s teeth using flavored toothpaste. Finally, we polish the teeth. We may also provide fluoride to protect the tooth enamel.
Why Are Children More Prone to Cavities?
Children are more prone to developing cavities and tooth decay for many reasons. Kids love sweets and may not brush or floss well after eating. Although the primary teeth comprise the same components as permanent teeth, there is a shorter distance from the outer tooth enamel to the nerves inside of the tooth. It is easier for the tooth infection can affect the nerves, cells, and blood vessels within the tooth.
First Visit FAQs
Discover more about your child’s first visit to our dental office in Worcester, MA:
How long will my child’s first dental visit take?
Your child’s first dental visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, we will check your child’s teeth and gums, look for any early signs of cavities, and clean their teeth. We will also talk to you about how to take care of your child’s teeth at home. If your child is very young, the visit may be shorter and more focused on getting them comfortable with the dentist.
Is my child too young for a dental check-up?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth comes in. Early visits help the dentist check for any issues, like tooth decay or problems with how their teeth are growing. Starting dental visits early sets the stage for healthy habits.
Should I schedule my child’s dental visit in the morning or afternoon?
It’s usually best to schedule your child’s dental visit in the morning if possible. Children are often more relaxed and less tired in the morning, which can make the visit easier and more comfortable. If your child tends to get anxious, a morning appointment can also help avoid the stress that might come later in the day. However, choose a time that works best for your child’s schedule, so they’re not rushed or hungry before the appointment.
Do I need to bring anything to my child’s first dental visit?
Yes, you should bring a few things to your child’s first dental visit. Make sure to bring your child’s medical history, including any allergies or health conditions they have. You may also want to bring your child’s insurance information if you have dental insurance. Finally, bring your child’s favorite toy or comfort item to help them feel more at ease during the visit.
What should I do if my child has a cavity or other dental problem after their first visit?
If your child has a cavity or other dental problem after their first visit, don’t worry. Our dentist will explain what needs to be done and recommend a treatment plan. For a cavity, your child may need a dental filling, which is a common and simple procedure.
If there are other issues, the dentist will provide options and help you understand what’s best for your child’s dental health. We can help you schedule any follow-up appointments as needed to address the problem and prevent it from getting worse.
Will my child get X-rays at their first dental visit?
Your child may or may not need X-rays at their first dental visit. It depends on their age, dental health, and whether the dentist needs to check for issues that can’t be seen just by looking at their teeth. X-rays are usually unnecessary for younger children unless there are specific concerns. If your child is older or has signs of tooth decay or other dental problems, our dentist might take X-rays to get a better look at their teeth and gums.
Will my child need fluoride treatment at their first dental visit?
Your child may need fluoride treatment at their first dental visit. However, this will depend on their age, health, and our recommendation.
If your child has a higher risk of cavities, our dentist might apply fluoride treatment to help protect their teeth. But if your child is younger and doesn’t have many teeth yet, this treatment may not be necessary right away. We will give you advice on the best way to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
When can my child eat after their first dental visit?
After your child’s first dental visit, they can usually eat right away unless we say otherwise. However, if your child had a cleaning or fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before they eat or drink. This gives the fluoride time to stay on their teeth and work effectively.
Contact Children’s Dental Specialties
Even if it isn’t your child’s first visit to the dentist, it’s important to find a pediatric dentist. Call our dental office today at (508) 625-5534. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Dan on our website.