What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

It may seem early, but infants benefit from having their first dental visit at 1 years old or 6 months within the first tooth coming in according to the American Dental Association. The earlier a child is seen, the more comfortable they are with the dentist and oral treatments. It is also a great time for parents to learn how to help care for their child’s teeth so they can avoid common oral health diseases. Learn what to expect from your child’s first dental visit and why they are important.

Call Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry today at 813-576-0200 to schedule your child’s first dental visit.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Setting up your child for oral wellness requires that attention to oral health begin even before the first dental visit. Making sure your baby isn’t put to bed with a bottle or juice can help prevent baby bottle decay. Wiping down gums with a soft towel (before teeth erupt) can keep gums healthy. Then, when your infant gets their first tooth, begin brushing their teeth (or tooth) with infant fluoride toothpaste and an infant or gum brush. Call to schedule a visit within 6 months of the first erupted tooth for a first dental visit, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends.

What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit

Your first dental visit with us begins with a brief tour of the office and introduction to staff. Following this, we will record your child’s previous medical and dental history. (For infant patients, we will start them off fresh with a dental record starting that day.)  Tracking oral health over the months and years allows us to uncover patterns to keep gums and teeth as healthy as possible.

Infants will have a brief checkup to evaluate how teeth and gums look. For the new baby teeth, we look for color changes and any signs of decay. We also will show how you should be caring for your child’s teeth and gums. For these examinations, infants can sit on a parent’s lap, where they feel safe and secure.

If this a first dental visit for adults and/or teens, we will take some x-rays so we can see inside your teeth and mouth and evaluate oral health and bite and alignment issues. Most of your first dental visit will be the dental cleaning– each tooth gently and meticulously cleaned—and an examination for the mouth and teeth. An oral cancer screening is also done at this time.

Call to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Our friendly, gentle team understands that a certain level of anxiety is present during a dental visit. That is why we make extra effort to help you feel at ease in our dental office. Biannual dental exams and check-ups are so important—we want you to WANT to come back! Our experienced and dedicated team will make you want to!

Take time during your appointment with us to ask us any questions or to give us feedback on what you would like to see at your next appointment for you or your child.

Why Choose Dr. Cat Botero?

When it comes to caring for your child, you want the best. You want someone who is experienced with treating children and who is a parent herself and understands your concerns and needs.

Dr. Cat has over 12 years of experience in children’s dentistry. She knows how to ease anxieties, what to look for in children, how to make office feel like home, and how to tenderly care for little mouths.

Call our Tampa office at (813) 576-0200 to schedule your child’s first dental visit today! We look forward to welcoming your family into our family!