A recent survey from the University of Michigan found that nearly half of 790 parents thought they didn’t need to bring their child in for their first dental visit until around two or three years old. Some even thought that four or older was ok. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Dental Association (ADA) both suggest taking your child for their first checkup by age one, or 6 months after their first tooth erupts (whichever comes first).
The research also found that more than half of parents surveyed never received information from their pediatrician about the appropriate age for a first dentist visit. And without this guidance they turned to family or friends for advice. As recommendations change, they may be hearing outdated information and not getting their kids to the dentist early enough.
A quarter of the parents surveyed said their kids’ teeth looked “healthy”. But parents may not notice decay until there’s discoloration. By that time the problem has likely become significant. That is why early dental visits are so important.
What To Expect At Their First Visit
We aim to make your child’s first visit as enjoyable and positive for them as possible. Having a comfortable first appointment will help put your child at ease for any future dental visits. During this visit, we’ll record your child’s dental and medical history and complete a comprehensive examination. We’ll discuss any findings with you and we’ll also review the importance of maintaining a great dental hygiene routine at home.
Comforting Your Child
The first visit for your child might make them nervous, but it is important for parents to not make a big deal about it. Children can often pick up on these anxieties and become even more fearful. There’s no need to worry, we’re trained to explain and perform treatment procedures in a positive manner that will help your child avoid negative feelings about dentistry. We are also a provider of sedation dentistry for kids, if there is a severe phobia present.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, we encourage you to give us a call at 949-644-0611. Or, schedule an appointment online using our form. We look forward to meeting you and your child!