The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise parents to schedule their child’s first dental visit when the first teeth erupt. Typically, once children turn one, they should begin to see a pediatric dentist. Regular professional dental care helps patients learn about their oral health and receive cleaning treatment to prevent future oral health problems. We make dental appointments enjoyable for patients when they visit Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates. Learn what happens during your child’s first dental visit in our Mt. Airy, MD dental office.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Mt. Airy, MD
Start your visit by registering at our front desk. You must arrive with new patient paperwork completed or we may not be able to see your child. Please complete all new patient forms here. All new patients must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are a legal guardian, you require a copy of the guardianship paperwork. Please do not bring food, drinks, or cell phones into the office as they can be distracting.
At your child’s first visit, we will perform a dental cleaning. Our hygienists use sterilized professional dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. These thorough cleanings can help remove harmful bacterial buildup from the smile. We may also take digital x-rays of their smile. Dental x-rays allow us to see dental problems that we cannot see with the naked eye. With x-rays, we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Making Dental Visits Fun
We know that the dentist’s office can seem scary to young children. Our team aims to make our office a comfortable place for all ages. Patients and parents can ask our team any questions about treatment or the cleaning process. We also encourage children to discuss any fear or anxiety. Our friendly dentists will put your child at ease and explain what they are doing during their examination or cleaning in simple terms.
Parents should avoid using words like “shot”, “drill”, or “hurt”. Even mentioning how the dentist is painless can actually make children think about pain and become anxious. A pleasant, comfortable first visit helps put the children at ease for future visits. We encourage children to bring their favorite toys with them. Parents can also be present as their children receive their cleaning.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Call Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates for treatment today (301) 781-5337. You can also request a dental consultation with our dentists on our website. We welcome any further questions you have about routine dental appointments and scheduling!