Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can actually be pleasant! We asked local dentists how they work to soothe the concerns of the preschool set.

If you and your family do not have a dentist, you can get a recommendation from a pediatrician, family member or friend. The extra time spent training after dental school is “where a pediatric dentist learns about growth and development beyond the general knowledge of dental school,” says Kurt Swauger, DDS, of Pediatric Dentistry Specialists in Madison and Hendersonville.

Most general dentists serve all members of the family. Before your child’s visit, contact the dentist and ask about what to expect on your child’s first visit. You can also contact your insurance company beforehand to discuss your dental coverage and benefits so there won’t be any financial surprises.

What’s the right age to start?

Pediatric dentist Mirna Caldwell, D.M.D., of Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry in Nashville says the best time to take a young child for a first visit is around age 1.

“An early start to visiting the dentist creates a positive relationship between the child and the dental staff,” says Caldwell. “Also, there’s no doubt that when dental problems are detected early, treatment is usually a lot easier and more tolerable for the child.”

Early visits give dentists a chance to counsel parents about good oral hygiene and nutritional recommendations to avoid decay. New studies show that when dental visits start by age 1, childhood cavities can be cut by more than 60 percent.

Prepare for visit

When you are brushing your child’s teeth, look into his mouth and run your index finger on his teeth and gums. Encourage him to look into your mouth and have him pretend to count your teeth. “As a pediatric dentist,” explains Swauger, “we are trained in behavior management, including how to help a child be more comfortable during his visit.”
Take a trip to the library and ask the librarian for book recommendations on first dentist trips. Read Just Going to the Dentist (Random House Books for Young Readers; $3.99) by Mercer Mayer or Berenstain Bears: Visit the Dentist (Random House Books for Young Readers; $3.99) by Stan and Jan Berenstain.

Jenni Crain’s 2-year-old son was ready to visit the dentist because he had been to the office with his older sister. “For weeks, we told him he was almost ready to go see the tooth doctor ‘just like your big sister!’” says Crain.