Our office follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They 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. Here, you can learn what will happen during your child’s first dental visit in our Mt. Airy, MD, dental office.
Regular professional dental care helps patients learn about their oral health. Children can receive exams and cleanings to prevent future oral health problems. We make dental appointments enjoyable for patients when they visit Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Mt. Airy, MD
We recommend bringing your child to our office for their first dentist visit after their first tooth grows. Morning appointments are best so your child can be alert and awake. Do not schedule your child’s appointment near their nap time, as they may be less cooperative.
Your child may eat a light breakfast before their appointment. However, avoid giving your child snacks in the waiting room,. Please do not bring food, drinks, or cell phones into the office, as they can be distracting.
You can begin your visit by registering at our front desk. You must arrive with completed new patient paperwork, 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. You will need a copy of the guardianship paperwork if you are a legal guardian. If you have dental insurance, ensure your child is on your plan before your visit.
After you check in at our front dentist, our dentist will bring you and your child to an exam room. You can sit in the dental chair with your child on your lap. Our dentist will gently examine your child’s mouth for signs of cavities, injuries, and other problems. An exam will help us keep track of your child’s oral development.
We welcome you to ask us questions about any current concerns you have about your child’s oral health. Our dentist will provide information for you on these topics:
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Teething
- Pacifier use
- Baby bottle tooth decay
Your child’s first visit will take 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child’s age, we will provide a cleaning. In most cases, we will not provide a cleaning for babies.
Dental Cleanings and Exams For Children
Regular cleanings and exams are essential to children’s dental care. During these visits, we clean your child’s teeth and gums and look for emerging dental problems. Our office also tracks your child’s tooth development.
When your child visits our office, we will first introduce ourselves to your child. We can help answer their questions and explain, in simple terms, what we will do during their visit.
First, we will visually examine their mouth for cavities or gum disease signs. We may also take digital X-rays of their smile. Dental X-rays allow us to see dental problems we cannot see with the naked eye so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Then, we will perform a dental cleaning. Our hygienists use sterilized professional dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Then, we polish the teeth. We use a fun-flavored toothpaste of their choosing to clean their teeth. Then, we floss between each tooth.
If we find any signs of decay or gum disease, we will recommend a treatment plan for your child. Our office also provides fluoride treatments and sealants for children after their cleanings. These preventive treatments strengthen the teeth and fight cavities, a common dental problem among children.
We can also provide tips on how to best care for your child’s teeth and gums at home. Our team will happily provide tips for a good at-home oral hygiene routine.
How to Make Dental Visits Fun
Before your child’s visit, you can help prepare your child for what they can expect. When talking about the dentist, avoid using words like “shot,” “drill,” or “hurt.” Even mentioning how the dentist is painless can make children think about pain and become anxious. Instead, prepare your child for their visit by reading books about the dentist, “playing” dentist, and telling your child how exciting the dentist will be.
Being Present
When you and your child visit our office, you can be present as your child receives their cleaning. Sitting in the examination room with them can put them at ease. However, children can pick up on your anxiety; stay calm when you’re with them. Staying calm will help them if they get scared or anxious.
Our office will also encourage you to bring your child’s favorite toy or blanket to their visit. If your child is sensitive to noise, we recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones.
Communicating
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 hygienists will put your child at ease and explain simply what they do during their examination or cleaning. In addition, our hygienists may ask your child questions about their favorite things to distract them from their treatment.
A pleasant first visit helps your child feel comfortable at future visits. We encourage you to schedule your child’s dental visits every six months. Regular visits help your child get used to the dentist and help us maintain their oral health.
Contact Our Office Today
We’re here to ensure your child’s first dental visit to our Mt. Airy, MD office is enjoyable. Call Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates for treatment today (301) 781-5337. You can also schedule a dental appointment with our dentists on our website.
We welcome any further questions you have about routine dental appointments and scheduling. If you need accommodations for your child, please let us know before their visit.