Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

A Healthy Mouth for Your Baby

Do you know when your child’s first visit to the dentist should be?

As parents we all want the best for our children, and starting our kids early with regular dental visits is the best way to build a solid foundation of optimal oral health.

Just look at how comfortable Avarie was at her recent dentist appointment.

Since kids tooth decay is considered the #1 chronic childhood disease, parents can take an active role in limiting cavities and promoting preventative dental health for their children.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist will help start them on the road to a lifetime of optimal oral health!

Here are some tips and helpful info for every parent concerned about maintaining healthy smiles of their children.

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist at Advanced Dental Arts of Somerset NJ

Dr. Haddad recommends that your child’s first visit to the dentist should be just after their third birthday.

Usually this entails nothing more than a brief examination and very little actual treatment.

We welcome all parents to sit in the dental chair during their child’s first visit to the dentist, but you may also be asked to wait in the reception area so we can start building a healthy relationship with your child.

During their visit, Dr. Haddad will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums.

Digital X-rays may be taken to reveal any tooth decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under their gums.

We may also clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect against future decay.

It is important for parents to make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home.

But most important of all, Dr. Haddad and staff will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth after your child’s first visit to the dentist, and in between their regular dental appointments.

What Should You Tell Your Kids About Their Visit to the Dentist?

As one of Somerset County’s trusted children’s dentist, we are asked this question often.

What we always suggest in preparation is to approach your child’s first visit to the dentist much the same way you would before their first haircut, or even their first trip to the shoe store.

Act as a role model for your child, and let them know that visiting the dentist is a normal twice annual trip that should be fun, informative, & beneficial to their health.

The reaction received from your child’s first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Here Is What Happens During Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist:

• Dr. Haddad will examine your child’s mouth, teeth and gums.
• We will evaluate any potentially adverse habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and sippy-cup symptoms.
• Dr. Haddad will check to see if your child requires additional fluoride treatment.
• We promise to teach you and your child about properly cleaning their teeth and gums at home.
• We will also suggest a schedule for regular dental visits with your child.

Here Are Some Dental Health Tips for Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist:

• We welcome you to take your child for a “preview” of our Somerset NJ dental office.
• Read books with them about going to the dentist.
• Review with your children what Dr. Haddad and staff will be doing at the time of their first visit.
• It is important to speak positively about your own dental experiences with your child.

For some more healthy mouth tips for your child, check out this video courtesy of the National Institute of Health:

Somerset NJ Children’s Dentist: Advanced Dental Arts by Joseph Haddad, D.D.S.

The first step towards a healthy smile for your children is to schedule their first dental appointment, please call our Somerset, NJ dental office today at (732) 545-8111.

Let us give you something to smile about!