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A child's first dental visit fact sheet.

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. You can tell them about the exam room, the instruments they might see, the face masks the dentist and hygienist may wear, and the bright exam light. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

If you don't know the dentist, interview the person first to see if they sound right for your child's needs and personality. At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations. Ask the dentist how they handle such behavior. If you aren't comfortable with the answer, find another dentist.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure, such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a developmental problem. Talk to your dentist about payment options if the cost of dental care is a problem for you.

Protect your children's teeth at home

 Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. Children should spit after brushing. Encourage them not to swallow extra toothpaste.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Only put breastmilk or formula in bottles. Don't give children a bottle of juice, soft drinks, or sweetened liquid.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Children should finish bottles before going to sleep.

Encourage your child to use a cup around their first birthday.

Help your child brush their teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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How often should I see my dentist?

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Why are regular dentist appointments important?

You consider yourself to have great oral hygiene and regularly brush and floss your teeth to keep your mouth clean. Your excellent oral hygiene habits may lead you to wonder if you still need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The answer is yes!   Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums at home, it’s still important that you regularly visit your dentist who is professionally trained to check for problems you may not see or feel yourself.

The truth is, many dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in the more advanced stage, which makes treatment and follow-up all the more extensive. Even if you are healthy today, your risk for dental disease can change over time and can be affected by factors like illness, diet changes, new medication usage, and more. So why risk it?

The frequency at which you visit your dentist should be based on several factors. This includes your current oral health condition, individual oral hygiene habits, general health status and medical conditions, as well as your own self- and dentist-assessed risk for oral health problems.

Assessing your risk for dental disease

When evaluating your risk for dental disease, you should consider all personal health, lifestyle, and genetic factors that contribute to your risk-level. Risk factors include a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, poor oral habits, lack of exposure to fluoride containing water, smoking or use of other tobacco products, heavy alcohol or recreational drug use, and medical conditions including diabetes, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and head and neck cancers.

Delta Dental offers a free online risk assessment tool called LifeSmile Score TM that helps you determine your level of risk for things like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. The tool prompts you with a series of questions about family history and current health status and habits and analyzes your answers to reveal your oral health risk score. You can then print your results and share them with your dentist who can factor those scores in with his or her clinical exam and help you develop a customized oral health plan and dental recall visit schedule.

Regularly scheduled visits

The evidence for the ideal interval for routine dental exams is not clear cut, but once or twice a year has been the general recommendation in the U.S. for many years. However, most people at low risk of oral diseases can visit the dentist less frequently, while others may need to go more often.

Your dental insurance coverage will also play a role in how often you see a dentist. Generally, two oral health exams will be covered by your dental insurance plan on an annual basis, but this will depend on your individual dental insurance plan . Remember – even if you believe your mouth to be in perfect health, you should still get a professional cleaning and annual checkup to ensure everything is healthy and on track!

dental-procedure-at-dentistry-picture-1600x529.jpg

Other factors to consider

Here are some other factors to consider when you think about how often you should see a dentist.

  • Changes to dental health

Have you recently had any changes in your dental health? Certain things to take note of are chipped, cracked or shifting teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, persistent tooth pain and sensitivity to cold or hot beverages. Should any of these instances occur, be sure to check in with your dentist. 1

  • Dental work & upkeep

When you receive dental work like a filling, crown, or oral surgery, there’s a chance you will need to go back to the dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure your teeth and gums are healing well. This usually involves a quick evaluation by your dentist and also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the recent dental work. Something to note – if you have active periodontal (gum) disease, you may need more frequent appointments to manage this condition. These appointments may occur every 2-6 months. 2

  • Dental visits for kids

Generally, children should get their first oral exam as soon as their first baby tooth comes in or by their first birthday. As the child gets older, dental checkups should occur as often as your dentist advises, with a typical recommendation of every six months to a year.

  • Dental visits for adults

For adults, the recommended frequency for dental check-ups varies. In most studies, however, regular attenders are considered to be those individuals that visit the dentist at least once a year. The frequency at which you visit the dentist will depend on your own oral health needs, and if you are prone to cavities, gum problems, or oral health issues. How quickly one develops stain and dental plaque on their teeth will also vary from person to person, and some individuals may benefit from a more frequent cleaning schedule should their teeth be more prone to staining or calculus build-up.

Additionally, individuals who have dental insurance typically visit the dentist more often than those who do not. And, companies with wellness programs will often offer incentives for employees to accomplish certain preventive health steps each year. Companies recognize that cost savings can occur for the company and employee by preventing disease.

High risk groups

The following groups may need to see the dentist more frequently, as oral health issues are more likely to arise in:

  • Pregnant women
  • Persons with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, head and neck cancers, HIV/AIDS, and others
  • People with current gum disease
  • People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
  • People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque
  • People who suffer from dry mouth
  • Older adults

Regardless of how you feel about your overall oral health, it is important to see a dentist regularly. A reasonable goal is to visit the dentist at least once a year for an oral health checkup, although some evidence suggests that those at a low risk for disease may extend to 18-24 months. Check in with your dentist for more information on how they assess your risk for oral disease and what their recommendation is for your individualized exam and cleaning schedule.

Additional resources

Looking for more information? Learn more about basic oral health.

  • Mouthwash 101: what mouthwash does and how to use It
  • How to floss your teeth the right way
  • Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth

1 Your Top 9 Questions About Going to the Dentist-Answered! (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/questions-about-going-to-the-dentist

2 Periodontitis. (2018, March 6). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479

  • Second Opinion

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving him or her a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child proper home cleaning such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a development problem.

Protect your children's teeth at home

 Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. This is when the child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Don't give children a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle in 5 to 6 minutes or less.

Help your child brush his or her own teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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  • A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. You can tell them about the exam room, the instruments they might see, the face masks the dentist and hygienist may wear, and the bright exam light. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

If you don't know the dentist, interview the person first to see if they sound right for your child's needs and personality. At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations. Ask the dentist how they handle such behavior. If you aren't comfortable with the answer, find another dentist.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure, such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child correct home cleaning, such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a developmental problem. Talk to your dentist about payment options if the cost of dental care is a problem for you.

Protect your children's teeth at home

 Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. Children should spit after brushing. Encourage them not to swallow extra toothpaste.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Only put breastmilk or formula in bottles. Don't give children a bottle of juice, soft drinks, or sweetened liquid.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Children should finish bottles before going to sleep.

Encourage your child to use a cup around their first birthday.

Help your child brush their teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

Top articles, more articles.

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

One hundred million Americans don't see their dentist every year, even though visiting the dentist regularly is essential in maintaining your oral health. With that being said, you have probably received a text, email, or phone call at some point in your life, reminding you that you are due for your 6-month visit with your dentist. You might be wondering, "how often should I really go to the dentist?"

The typical twice-a-year recommendation to visit the dentist originated from an advertisement for toothpaste, and there's little to no research that supports it. The twice-yearly rule isn't necessarily the best option for everyone. Read on to learn more about how often you should get dental checkups, why you might need to visit a dentist more often, why going to the dentist is essential, and what you can do to stay healthy and minimize your visits.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

While it's true that visiting the dentist twice a year is a good rule of thumb for many people, the truth is that you have your own unique smile needs. So it depends on your oral hygiene, habits, and individual medical conditions.

Some people only need to visit the dentist once or twice are year, while others may need to go more often. So, always remember to ask your dentist when you should schedule your next appointment. And don't worry! They'll probably tell you when they want to see you next anyway.

Who Should Go to the Dentist More Often?

Some people need to visit the dentist more than twice a year. But who? People with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions may need to see the dentist every three months or more. This higher-risk group includes:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with gum disease
  • People with a weak immune response
  • People who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up

Why is Going to the Dentist Important?

Even if you brush twice a day and floss daily, you still need to visit a dentist regularly! Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained to check for problems that you might not see or feel on your own. Some things, like cavities or gum disease, aren't even visible or painful until they're more advanced. When it comes to oral cancer , dentists and hygienists are often the first to find it for many patients.

Because the issue might either be preventable or more easily treated when caught early (like oral cancer ), seeing a dentist regularly matters. With regular visits, your dentist will find solutions to any red flags that will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.

What Can You Do to Keep Dentist Appointments to a Minimum?

The best thing you can do to keep your dental visits to a minimum is to maintain good oral hygiene . So, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth daily using floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. And guess what? If your dentist doesn't see any cavities or signs of gingivitis for several years, they might even lengthen the time between your visits.

Now you know that how often you need to visit the dentist depends on your unique smile situation. For some people, like smokers and diabetics, it may be more often. But no matter what, visiting the dentist is a preventative measure that improves your overall health and makes things easier for you in the long run. If you keep up with your daily hygiene, your dentist may even cut back on your required dental appointments. Remember to always follow your dentist's advice in terms of your next appointment. And if it's been a while, it's time to respond to that text, call, or email from your dentists' office for your 6-month dental check-in.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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this is her second visit to the dentist this month

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  • January 7, 2022

Regular Checkups: How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

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How Often Should You Go To Your Dentist

The Floss / Wellness Advice / Regular Checkups: How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Over 100 million Americans do not visit their dentist consistently every year, and this has significant repercussions on the oral health of the population. Indeed, regular visits to the dentist are required to maintain good oral health. That being said, you are probably asking yourself the following question: How often do I have to visit my dentist? The answer to this question varies, contrary to most expectations. In this article, you will find the answer to the above question and an explanation of its reasoning.

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The typical twice-a-year recommendation:

Truth or Myth?

You’ve probably heard the recommendation that you should visit your dentist twice a year. However, as funny as it may sound, this recommendation originated from an advertisement for toothpaste and not from actual dental studies! This recommendation is a good rule of thumb for many people, but should not be applied to everyone – depending on their oral health needs, some people may need to visit their dentist more or less often.

So, why do some people need to see their dentist less often and why should others visit more frequently?

The only person who can give you a valid and precise answer to this question is … your dentist of course! As mentioned above, some people need to see their dentist more than twice a year, especially those with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions that require visits to their dentist every 3 months, or more. Patients with good oral health overall will probably need to visit only once every 12 to 24 months.

Who should go to the dentist more often?

Pregnant women

With hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums can become red, tender, and sore. In that case, your dentist might recommend additional cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gingivitis – hence the importance of seeing your dentist more often when pregnant.

Since people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and since literature suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control, having professional deep cleanings more often than twice a year is recommended for diabetic people.

  • Smokers are more prone to periodontal diseases and more likely to have stained teeth, and therefore may need appointments more often.
  • People with gum disease.
  • People with a weak immune response.
  • People who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up

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Why are regular check-ups important?

They allow early detections of dental and oral issues, allowing better health management:

  • Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss as recommended, you still need to visit your dentist. Patients are unable to detect things like cavities or gum disease before they get too advanced and painful. Regular visits make it possible for early detection of oral health problems, so patients can avoid them or halt their progress. An additional and major benefit is the fact that oral cancers are most often detected by dentists since they examine not only your teeth, but also your gums and mouth. These oral cancer screenings can therefore help detect cancerous lesions that can be more effectively treated when caught early.
  • Ultimately, visiting your dentist as regularly as recommended will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.

In conclusion, the better you take care of your teeth, the less chance you will have of developing cavities and oral health problems. In turn, you will need to visit your dentist less often. Brush your teeth twice a day as recommended, and do not hesitate to use dental floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. Your dentist might then lengthen the time between your visits! Always follow your dentist’s advice in terms of your next appointment for optimal oral health.

Suzanna Maria Sayegh graduated in Oral Pathology, earned a Master’s in Research and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aesthetic and Prosthetic Dentistry. It is her top priority to provide high-quality, minimally invasive dental care to each patient, respecting their individual goals and needs. She is currently writing for Bond Street Dental .

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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

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What to Expect

Choosing a dentist.

  • Getting Ready For The Visit

Preparing as a Parent

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Pediatric Dentist is, “When should I bring my baby in for their first dental visit?”

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. While it may sound early, starting at that age will start your baby on a path for great oral health and prevent a number of dental problems that can occur during childhood.

The first visit gives parents a chance to become educated on how to properly care for their child's teeth and gives children a chance to become comfortable with the dental environment at an early age.

At the first visit, the dentist will examine your baby's mouth to make sure everything is growing and developing properly and will check for dental caries, tongue ties, and any signs of injuries.

The dentist will typically tell you everything you need to know to keep your child's teeth healthy including:

  • What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush to use
  • Brushing and flossing techniques
  • How to relieve teething discomfort
  • Which foods and drinks cause cavities
  • Answers to questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking.

The examination and cleaning itself can take just a few minutes, but most of the time is spent on making the child feel comfortable and educating the parents. You should not expect the overall visit to take a long time.

The first step is finding a Pediatric Dentist for your child. Pediatric Dentists have two to three additional years of training after dental school during which they extensively study child development, behavior management of patients from infancy to adolescence, and how best to work with special needs children.

Most Pediatric Dentists will aim to provide a fun environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, yummy flavored toothpaste, and staff that enjoy working with children. When children are having fun, they gain trust in the dentist and staff, and will often enjoy their visits and look forward to their next appointment.

Where to Find a Dentist

To find a Pediatric Dentist in your area, you can Google nearby pediatric dentists, talk to other parents you know for recommendations, and ask your child's pediatrician or your own dentist. If you have dental insurance, you can search for a Pediatric Dentist through your list of participating providers.

Getting Ready For Your Child's Visit

When you have decided on an office, call them to schedule a visit. Young children tend to do their best in the morning when they are fresh and full of energy. Avoid scheduling appointments late in the day or close to nap times when children can be groggy or cranky.

You can inquire if it is possible for you and your child to come to the office for a tour and to meet the doctor before the actual day of the checkup. If your child has any special needs, discuss it with the staff member that schedules your appointment. The dentist will often want a little extra time scheduled for this.

If there is something in particular that keeps your child calm and happy (a song they like to hear, a video they like to watch or simply a color they like), let the dentist know so they can try to incorporate that into the visit.

Mental Preparation

Once you have an appointment scheduled, start preparing your child for the visit. Children learn best when they are having fun. You can practice giving their stuffed animal a checkup with a toy mirror.

Your child can bring that same stuffed animal to the dental visit to get a check-up by the dentist. Read books to them. I recommend:

  • Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
  • Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
  • Elmo Visits the Dentist by P.J. Shaw

You can also watch one of the many YouTube videos about going to the dentist, such as Daniel Tiger's .

Put Them At Ease

When talking to your child about their upcoming trip to the dentist, you can assure them that there are no shots at this visit and that the dentist will simply examine and brush their teeth and talk to them about how to keep their teeth healthy.

Let them know that the dentist will show them all of the tools and explain all of the procedures before starting. You can also plan a treat (not candy or junk food) such as a trip to the park or toy store should they need a little extra motivation.

Anticipating Follow Up Visits

Once you've completed your first visit, it's time to start preparing your child for their second visit! Discuss the visit with your child and remind them of the positive things that happened such as:

  • There were no shots
  • Nothing hurt
  • The toothpaste tasted great
  • The toothbrush tickled
  • The dentist counted all of your teeth and now we know how many teeth you have
  • You got prizes and a new toothbrush at the end
  • Next time we go there, we'll get these fun prizes all over again!

To prepare yourself, come on time, if possible a few minutes earlier to fill out any registration and consent forms that may be needed. Many offices have their registration forms on their website so you can fill them out in advance.

Give your dentist a complete health history of your child. If your child is taking any medications, have a list of the medications and dosages. Have your child's pediatrician's contact information available.

If you have any particular questions that you want the dentist to address, write them down so you don't forget to ask them if the dentist doesn't bring those topics up.

It is also important to have reasonable expectations of your child. During the visit, some children may open their mouths willingly and enjoy the experience, while some will not, just as some do not enjoy getting haircuts or wearing seatbelts. Luckily, with preparation and sticking to a regular recall schedule (typically every six months), the visits will get easier and more enjoyable each time.

Many children that may start out fearful or anxious can become patients that love going to the dentist once they've been a few times.  

By Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS  Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS is a pediatric dentist practicing in Queens, New York and is the owner of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. 

Your Child's First Dental Visit - How to Prepare & What to Expect

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Table of Contents

  • How to Prepare
  • What to Expect
  • Tips for Success

Child's Oral Health at Home

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatricians and dentists advise parents to take children to the dentist for the first time soon after their first tooth starts to come in. That is usually when infants are about 6 months old, although the timing varies from child to child.

Parents can prepare for that initial dental appointment in several ways, including talking about going to the dentist in positive ways and by promoting sound dental health by watching for bad habits that can start early.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

Experts in the dental field recommend taking your child to their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth appears and no later their first birthday. Children typically experience their first tooth eruption about six months of age, although the exact timing varies from child to child.

To prepare for this first visit, you want to plan the appointment in the morning, so your child is alert and fresh, although this is something that’s often easier said than done.

Like securing an appointment with the doctor, scheduling with a dentist can take months.

One strategy is to schedule an appointment for six or seven months after they are born and one month out, check to see if your child has a tooth ready for the dentist to examine. If not, move the appointment back one or two months. Often moving an appointment is easier than scheduling the initial one.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Scheduling the appointment in the morning is the best time for children to experience this event. To get them ready for the appointment, start talking to them in a positive way about what to expect at the dentists. You can also go through some practice steps, such as having them practice opening their mouth for the dentist to look at their teeth.

Another good way to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to read books or watch videos about first visits. These items can help prevent your child from becoming afraid of dental visits. There are ways parents can prepare themselves as well.

When you make the first appointment for your baby or young child, ask any questions you have about the visit. It will save time when you arrive with your child if your questions are answered, instead of delaying your child's checkup with the dentist. To prepare for your questions, make a list of them, such as:

Teething questions about how to handle this time with your child

If your child sucks their thumb, ask any questions you might have about how this affects their teeth or mouth

If your child is still using a pacifier, ask any questions you might have on the effects of this in your child's mouth

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

During your child’s initial visit, the dentist can give you information about things to keep an eye on before the second visit and beyond. Among them:

Finger-sucking habits

Baby-bottle tooth decay

Pacifier habits

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Throughout your child’s time in the exam/cleaning room, you can hold your child on your lap if they are nervous or afraid of sitting alone in the big chair.

For the bulk of the visit the dentist will spend time examining your child’s teeth and jaw and how they are developing. The dentist will also look for any cavities, gum and mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist will clean your child's teeth.

Dentists and their hygienists are used to children who squirm, wiggle, twitch and cry. Remember: this is a new and potentially scary experience for kids. Unless they happen to see another child in the lobby while waiting to get called back, the child may be surrounded only by adults, adding to the fear factor.

Tips for a Successful First Dental Visit

Here are some tips to help with your child's first visit to the dentist:

Schedule the appointment during the morning hours and, if possible, during a time you know your child will be rested and more cooperative.

When you think about the appointment, you need to think of it as a positive experience. If you have a good outlook on it, your feelings will extend to your child.

Remember that you and the dentist are a team, and you should work with them to keep your child calm and happy.

Before leaving for the appointment, feed your child a light meal and have them brush their teeth.

Don't give snacks until after the appointment. You want to minimize any debris left in their mouths or on their teeth for the exam.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are one the most common diseases for American children. If tooth decay goes untreated, it will cause significant infections and pain for kids. Untreated cavities can also lead to other serious problems, such as:

Studies have shown that children with poor oral health miss more school than children who practice good oral health practices.

Tips for Good Oral Health for Children

Oral health at home is important for your baby's and young child's health, both physically and orally. If you have a baby, you can follow these tips to maintain your baby's oral health:

Two times a day wipe your baby's gums with a soft cloth. Do this once in the morning after their first feeding, and then again before bed. This process will remove bacteria and sugars that can lead to cavities in developing teeth.

When your baby's teeth start to come in or erupt, begin brushing them twice a day. Use a small-bristled, soft toothbrush with plain water.

Provide your baby with drinking water that has fluoride.

Talk to both your doctor and dentist about having fluoride varnish or dental sealants on your child's teeth. Ask them when this process should be done.

If your child is younger than 6, you should monitor them when they brush their teeth and help if needed. They should be placing a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their brush, and spit it out, not swallow it. Continue monitoring them until they have developed good brushing skills.

If your child is younger than the age of 2, talk to your doctor or dentist about using toothpaste with fluoride in them.

If your drinking water does not have sufficient fluoride in it to prevent cavities (0.7 milligrams per liter) ask your dentist if your child needs oral fluoride supplements. Fluoride supplements come in lozenges, tablets, or drop form. If you don’t know your fluoride levels, you can call your water utility company and ask or request a copy of their recent “consumer confidence report.”

You should plan your child's first dental visit after you see their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. Children’s teeth tend to erupt about six months after birth.

During your child's first dental visit, the dentist will examine their teeth and mouth to ensure they are developing the way they should. The dentist will also look for any cavities, mouth injuries and other oral issues.

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  • When to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy

WHEN TO VISIT THE DENTIST DURING PREGNANCY

When to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy

Tell the Dentist As Soon As Possible

Postpone dental care during your first trimester, visit the dentist during your third trimester .

Following a consistent  oral health care routine is especially important for pregnant women for several reasons.

Pregnancy changes the hormones in the body that put pregnant women at increased risk for periodontal disease, which is the most severe form of gum disease. As soon as you believe you’re pregnant, tell your dentist, because it may not be safe to have X-rays during pregnancy. You should also let your dentist know if you are trying to get pregnant; knowing this can help in planning x-rays or other treatments. Be sure to tell your dentist what medicines you’re taking and if your physician has given you any specific medical advice, as it may affect the treatment he or she recommends. When possible, visit your dentist before pregnancy so you can take are of any pre-existing dental problems before you conceive.

Popular for Daily Brushing

The first trimester of your pregnancy (the first 13 weeks) is the time in which most of the baby's major organs develop. If you go to the dentist during your first trimester, tell your dentist that you're pregnant and have only a checkup and routine cleaning. If possible, postpone any major dental work until after the first trimester. However, if you have a dental emergency, don't wait! Infections in the mouth can be harmful to you and your baby. See your dentist immediately, and make sure that all dental professionals who examine you are aware you're pregnant.

If you have postponed seeing your dentist during your first or second trimester, the third trimester is the time to have a dental checkup to ensure that your mouth is healthy. By visiting your dentist at this time, he or she will be able to advise you on what you can do to prevent oral heath problems after your baby is born.

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Here's How Often You Really Need to Go to the Dentist

Portrait of a woman at the dentist

‌ My teeth feel fine! I don't have time! Sitting in the chair makes me anxious! ‌ Most of us have no trouble coming up with reasons to delay seeing the dentist. But putting off your next appointment (or simply forgetting about it) can set you up for a mouthful of problems.

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So how often should you go to the dentist, really? Here's what the experts have to say, and the convincing reasons to stay on schedule.

Video of the Day

Most adults and children should get dental check-ups every six months, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Twice-yearly visits can help catch tooth decay or other dental problems early, before it has a chance to cause pain or other problems.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Important

The benefits go far beyond getting a new toothbrush and some free toothpaste. "Going to the dentist twice per year allows you to be proactive instead of reactive in regards to your teeth and dental health," says Westchester, New York-based dentist Richard Lipari, DDS .

You'll Catch Problems Sooner, When They're Easier to Treat

You can't always feel problems like tooth decay or gum disease early on — but your dentist can see them. And spotting a problem earlier gives you a chance to address it before it spreads. "When gum disease and cavities are not resolved quickly, they can turn into larger issues such as loose teeth and root canals," Dr. Lipari says.

You'll Keep Your Teeth Healthy

If your pearly whites are already in pristine condition (or close enough), regular dental visits can help keep them that way. That deep-clean brushing and scraping, while not the most enjoyable, is a must for removing calculus (aka tartar) — plaque that builds up and hardens over time.

"Once plaque turns to calculus it's nearly impossible to remove with a toothbrush and requires a dental professional to remove it," Dr. Lipari says. Along with making it hard to clean your teeth, tartar also can lead to gingivitis, which is the early form of gum disease, per the American Dental Association (ADA).

The Dentist Will Check for Oral Cancer

In addition to examining your teeth, your dentist will check your tongue, head and neck for possible signs of oral cancer . It's quick and easy — and most of the time, they won't find anything. But it's an important chance to spot suspicious growths sooner, when they may be easier to treat, per the Mayo Clinic .

You'll Save Money and Time in the Long Run

Dental visits can be costly, especially if you don't have insurance. But the money you'll pay for a cleaning is a lot less than what you'll pay for a filling, root canal or other procedures. "That short appointment can help prevent cavities and gum disease, saving you a lot of time, money and effort in the future," Dr. Lipari says.

Do Certain Factors Mean You Need to Go More (or Less) Frequently?

Most people do well on a two-visit-per-year schedule. But in some cases, you and your dentist may decide it's worth scheduling checkups more often — up to three or four times a year, Dr. Lipari notes.

More frequent visits might be a good idea for:

  • ‌ People with existing gum disease or dental problems. ‌ If you have signs of gingivitis (like swollen or bleeding gums or gums that itch ), seeing the dentist more often can help resolve the problem and prevent it from turning into periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can cause tooth loss.
  • ‌ Smokers. ‌ Smoking irritates the gums and can eventually cause periodontitis, Dr. Lipari says, so it's a good idea to see your dentist more frequently.
  • ‌ People with a weakened immune system: ‌ When your immune system isn't operating at full force, you may be more prone to gum disease and tooth decay.
  • ‌ Some pregnant people. ‌ Hormone changes during pregnancy can sometimes cause gingivitis. If you're experiencing gum swelling or bleeding, more frequent visits with the dentist can help get the problem under control, Dr. Lipari says.

What to Expect at a Dental Checkup

If it's been a while since your last chopper check, here's what you can expect.

  • ‌ The hygienist will perform a cleaning. ‌ They'll use small metal tools to scrape plaque buildup off of your teeth, floss your teeth and brush your teeth using a special electric toothbrush. Kids might have a fluoride gel or foam applied to their teeth too, which can help prevent tooth decay.
  • ‌ You may get X-rays. ‌ X-rays can detect problems that aren't otherwise visible, like early cavities, tooth decay or bone loss. These may not be required at every visit, per the Cleveland Clinic .
  • ‌ The dentist will examine your teeth and mouth. ‌ They'll review your X-rays and take a look inside your mouth to see your teeth and gums. They'll also perform an oral cancer check by looking at the insides of your lips, the sides of your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth.

The Bottom Line

It's a good idea to see the dentist every six months, or more often if you have gum or tooth problems or are at high risk for developing them. Some people with excellent dental hygiene may just be more prone to developing cavities , for instance.

If you're anxious about your visit, let the dentist know so you can find ways to address your discomfort .

Finally, know that there are options if you don't have dental insurance and are having trouble paying for your exam. "Many areas have dental schools where patients can seek out dental treatment at a reduced price, which can be a solution for preventive care," Dr. Lipari says.

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  • National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: "Dental Exam"
  • Mayo Clinic: "Oral Cancer Screening"
  • American Dental Association: "Plaque"
  • Cleveland Clinic: "Dental X-rays"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

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Your Baby's First Dental Visit

Your baby is hitting new milestones every day, and his or her first dental visit is another one to include in the baby book!

Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears , but no later than the first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth , he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. (Need a dentist? Use our Find-A-Dentist tool to find one in your area.)

How to Prepare

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething , sucking his or her thumb  or using a pacifier  too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

  • Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
  • Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
  • Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
  • Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

Decisions in Dentistry

Start earning CE Units in minutes!

this is her second visit to the dentist this month

A Child’s First Dental Visit

An exploration of why the age 1 visit is a game changer in terms of overall oral health and childhood caries.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

  • Explain the concept and value of a dental home and the Age 1 dental visit, as well as utilization rates for this model of care.
  • Describe fundamental clinical practices and challenges when caring for infants and young children.
  • Detail key issues surrounding childhood caries and the need to educate parents and caregivers of young pediatric patients.

For the better part of the last 100 years, dentistry followed the “see and treat” concept; meaning that oral health care was, for the most part, treatment oriented. Dentists did what they were trained to do, which was to treat dental caries. Most patients visited the dentist to address a specific problem (usually prompted by the occurrence of pain). Many did not consider primary teeth important, since they were looked upon as being transitional, and would soon be exfoliated and replaced by permanent teeth. In fact, in the 1950s some dental offices had signs in their waiting rooms proclaiming, “No children under age 13 treated.”

With an increase in the knowledge of the dental caries process, dentists gradually began to see children at earlier ages. Many dentists were ill equipped to communicate with and/or treat such young patients; consequently, the recommended age for the child’s first dental visit was on or after the 3rd birthday. Dentistry for patients under the age of 3 was largely approached didactically and not clinically. Prevention of dental disease for this group was a mere afterthought.

PARADIGM SHIFT

Once dental caries was understood as a chronic bacterial disease with a behavioral component, the paradigm shifted from treating the resulting damage to addressing the cause (prevention). In turn, this shift had a significant impact on determining the optimal age for the first dental visit.

Dentistry will never “drill its way out” of the early childhood caries (ECC) epidemic. For practitioners to succeed in the fight against ECC, they must improve preventive efforts and manage lesions in their earliest stages. A patient’s risk of developing dental caries starts with the introduction of oral pathogens into an infant’s mouth; therefore, first seeing the dentist at age 3 could prove too late. The age 1 visit not only allows for preventive therapies and early treatment, it also benefits the child by helping to establish optimal feeding and oral hygiene habits.

In a 1992 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics proposed a definition of the medical home and referred to the “delivery of advanced primary care, with the goal of addressing and integrating high quality health promotion, acute care, and chronic condition management in a planned, coordinated and family centered manner.” 2 In 2001, the AAPD adopted its Policy on the Dental Home, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ medical home concept. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate and routine preventive care and thus have a reduced risk of dental disease. 3

The recommendation for a child’s first dental visit to occur at or before age 1 has been the standard since 2001. Yet, practically speaking, dentistry for patients under the age of 3 continues to be largely spoken of didactically, and not widely implemented clinically in general practice. This is not a criticism as much as an observation. Dentists are busy addressing the functional and physical effects of dental caries and have little time to address the process. Many have not been adequately trained to understand the purpose and method of introducing the age 1 patient to clinical practice. This article will explain the rationale, benefit and technique for implementing the age 1 dental visit. The goal is to make dental practitioners comfortable and competent in meeting this standard of care.

RATIONALE FOR EARLY CARE

Dental caries is a preventable, chronic disease that is influenced by social and behavioral factors. Improving access to — and the use of — preventive and disease management strategies, along with early dental visits, will contribute to better patient outcomes, reduction of per capita health care expenses, and improved utilization of services.

According to research, annual treatment costs for children who had their first dental visit by age 1 are significantly less than for patients who wait until they are older. 4 Children seen by a dentist before age 1 are more likely to see the dentist on an ongoing basis, and less likely to require restorative or emergency visits. By comparison, those seen for the first time at age 2 and age 3 have an increased need for preventive, restorative and emergency visits over time. 5

Unfortunately, 23% of children continue to experience dental caries, with children from ages 2 to 5 experiencing increasing rates. 6 In 2015, 57% of children on Medicaid did not receive preventive oral health services. 7 Previous research showed that Medicaid patients ages 1 to 5 accounted for 45% of total dental costs, even though this age group represented only 5% of the insured population. 6 In a 2015 retrospective review of privately insured patients, only 1% had their first dental visit by age 1. 8

It is logical to ask, “If so much could be done to enhance oral health with effective preventive strategies implemented in the first year of life, why hasn’t dentistry been more effective in this regard?” This is a good question with a complex answer.

Seldom is a patient under the age of 3 cooperative in the dental office. If the dentist’s role is only restorative, there is a dilemma of how to perform complicated procedures on kicking, screaming and crying patients. In years past, many dentists were ill prepared to cope with such patients, therefore treatment was delayed until after the patients were better able to cooperate, usually after their 3rd birthday.

Only recently have the age 1 visit, the value of a dental home, and the clinical skills to complete an infant oral examination been emphasized in dental school curricula. While practicing general dentists may have been exposed to these concepts, as previously noted, many have not been trained in the delivery of care for such young patients.

In addition, dentists are trained to diagnose and restore the consequences of dental disease. Far too often, dentistry is viewed as a surgical specialty, and the schedules of many dentists are customarily filled with patients having broken-down teeth needing immediate attention. If this pattern is to be reversed, there must be a complete paradigm shift emphasizing preventive care and, when possible, nonsurgical management.

Caries risk assessment for first dental visit

THE THREE PILLARS

A proper infant oral examination visit rests upon three pillars:

  • Risk assessment
  • Oral examination
  • Anticipatory guidance

Risk Assessment: Effective infant preventive dentistry begins with an assessment of individual risk factors, as established through the medical, social and dental histories (Table 1). Preventive strategies are subsequently developed to address the patient’s specific risk. These activities occur before the patient’s oral exam and are aimed at providing the primary caregiver with adequate information to reduce the risk of dental caries.

Special attention should be given to the primary caregiver’s dental history. The infant’s oral pathogens are the result of vertical transmission from the primary caregiver. Untreated caries and high bacterial counts from periodontal conditions in the caregiver’s mouth result in the infant having a bacterial flora conducive to caries development. 9

Infant at the first dental visit

Feeding habits affect caries risk through both what is eaten, and how it is eaten. Carbohydrate-rich diets are highly cariogenic and should be limited. Feeding on demand and/or at night leads to what was formerly referred to as “baby bottle decay,” but now is now known as ECC. 10 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend infants be breastfed until age 1. 11 Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding should not be ad lib. Feeding at night increases the risk of caries formation. During sleep, the body’s systems slow and respirations and the heart rate decreases. There is also reduced salivary flow, and this diminishes the natural cleaning and buffering effect of saliva.

Oral Examination: The examination of the infant’s oral cavity takes place in a knee-to-knee fashion (Figure 1). The dentist cradles the infant’s head in his or her lap while supporting the head. The caregiver holds the infant’s hands and feet. It is normal and beneficial for the infant to cry, as this ensures the mouth is open and an adequate visual examination is possible. The dentist should communicate throughout the examination and remain complimentary of the infant and caregiver. Clinical observations should be pointed out, and the provider should demonstrate proper technique for cleaning the teeth using a gauze, toothbrush or washcloth. Finally, fluoride varnish should be applied. (Additional clinical resources are found in Table 2.)

Anticipatory Guidance: In terms of diet and feeding habits, breastfeeding should be encouraged and added carbohydrates avoided. Feeding should be on a schedule and infants should never be put to bed with a bottle. Water after feeding should also be encouraged.

The child should be introduced to toothbrushing when the first tooth erupts. A soft-bristle brush with an age-appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended (refer to the AAPD’s guideline on fluoride use). As noted, the dentist should demonstrate the technique to the caregiver during the knee-to-knee examination. Other sources of fluoride include drinking fluoridated water and use of fluoride varnish, which should be placed on primary teeth at each dental visit.

TOOTH ERUPTION

Resources for first dental visit

NONNUTRITIVE HABITS

Nonnutritive oral habits are common in infants. The caregiver should be assured these are normal and that most infants discontinue them in time. Persistent habits that are causing distortion of the oral cavity can be addressed when the patient is mature enough to want to quit. Until then, the dentist should monitor the habit and any resulting oral changes it is causing.

RECALL VISITS

High-risk patients should be placed on a three-month recall schedule. Fluoride varnish should be applied at these visits. Additional anticipatory guidance information should be reemphasized at each appointment. More information on the infant examination can be found in the AAPD Guideline for Infant Oral Health Care ( aapd.org/ media/ Policies_ Guidelines/ G_ InfantOralHealthCare.pdf ).

Dentists who provide care for pediatric patients are highly encouraged to adopt the age 1 visit. It is the standard of care for young patients and supported by the AAPD, American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. While preventive measures are important for all patients, waiting to institute these measures at age 3 would be too late for patients at high risk of dental caries. The patient with ECC will require more dental care, incur more expense, and is likely to face a lifetime of caries. For dentistry to address this dilemma in any significant way requires intervention upon the eruption of the first primary tooth.

Just as pediatricians are the primary medical care providers for infants, dentists are the primary oral health care providers for this patient population. The role and responsibility of the dentist is to provide education and training to the parents/caregivers and, when appropriate, the child, too. The value of the child’s first dental visit, and subsequent routine appointments, is not merely the dental prophylaxis. It is the supervision and educational information the parent/caregiver and patient receives from the dental team that will provide a lifetime of value in terms of oral and overall health.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Maintaining and improving the oral health of young children. Section on oral health. Pediatrics. 2014;134:1224–1229.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Medical Home definition. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/professional-resources/practice-transformation/ medicalhome/Pages/home.aspx. Accessed January 17, 2019.
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Definition of Dental Home. Available at: http://www.aapd.org/ media/policies_guidelines/d_dentalhome.pdf. Accessed January 17, 2019.
  • Dye BA, Thornton-Evans G, Li X, Iafolla TJ. Dental caries and sealant prevalence in children and adolescents in the United States, 2011–2012. NCHS Data Brief . 2015;191:1–8.
  • Nowak A, Christensen JR, Mabry TR, Townsend JA, Wells MH. Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy through Adolescence . 6th ed. Philidelphia: Saunders; 2018:137.6.
  • Lee JY, Bouwens TJ, Savage MF, Vann WF Jr. Examining the cost-effectiveness of early dental visits. Pediatr Dent . 2006;28:102–105.
  • Casamassimo PS, Hammersmith K, Gross EL, Amini H. Infant oral health: an emerging dental public health measure. Dent Clin North Am . 2018;62:235–244.
  • Kolstad C, Zavras A, Yoon RK. Cost-benefit analysis of the age one dental visit for the privately insured. Pediatr Dent . 2015;37:376–380.
  • Dye BA, Vargas CM, Lee JJ, Magder L, Tinanoff N. Assessing the relationship between children’s oral health status and that of their mothers. J Am Dent Assoc . 2011;142:173–183.
  • Kierce EA, Rainchuso L. Comprehensive approach to early childhood caries. Decisions in Dentistry. 2017;3(12):34–36,39.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/ Breastfeeding/Pages/AAP-Policy-on-Breastfeeding.aspx. Accessed   January 17, 2019.

Featured image by ONDROOO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

From Decisions in Dentistry.  February 2019;5(2):30—32,35.

this is her second visit to the dentist this month

Orpheus L. Triplett, DDS, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, where he serves as director of Community Relations and Outreach. Triplett has more than 20 years experience in private practice and has also served as dental director for Christ Community Health Services, a multisite federally qualified health center in Memphis.

this is her second visit to the dentist this month

Larry Dormois, DDS, MS, is chair of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in Memphis. Board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, he is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American College of Dentists. Dormois serves as an examiner for the American Board of Dentistry and is a site visitor for the Council on Dental Accreditation with the American Dental Association. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Brushing is should start as soon as teeth appear, which can be as early as 4 months. Babies usually get bottom teeth first, then top ones. Don’t get too worked up about when baby teeth come in.

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When it comes to scheduling a dentist appointment timing is everything! Learn when is best time to visit your dentist for checkup or procedure and how to avoid peak times.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Dentist?

When it comes to dental care, timing is everything. Knowing when to schedule your appointment can make a big difference in the quality of care you receive. According to a recent survey, dentists receive the most activity from patients during the back-to-school months and toward the end of the year. In addition, December, January and February are often some of the busiest months in a dental office, as patients rush to use their annual insurance benefits (December) or finally have that much-needed dental appointment when the new insurance year begins (January and February).It can be difficult to get an appointment during these peak times, but it's usually worth scheduling something before you miss your second chance to go to the dentist.

Another study suggests scheduling a dentist appointment at 2 p.m., because local anesthesia lasts longer around this time. When it comes to the day of the week, Wednesday may be the ideal day. Dental offices accommodate fewer patients on this day, allowing for a more concentrated and less hectic environment. Although Friday, in a survey conducted by The Wealthy Dentist, is considered the least busy day among weekdays, some dental offices are closed on Fridays and weekends.Therefore, Wednesday becomes the most appropriate time to receive treatment for your mouth-related problems.

In the same survey, dentists were found to be busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. For the best month to schedule your dental treatment, fall, late spring or early winter or summer will be the recommended days to schedule your visit, as dental offices see fewer patients during these seasons. In the meantime, you may want to avoid the months of January, February, April, and December.These months are peak dental office seasons, particularly December and January, as insurance benefits generally end and begin in these months. Despite their need, dental treatments can be costly, causing some patients to forego dental visits.

Still, it's possible to have the dental procedure you need without spending too much out of your pocket. However, not everyone wants to sign up for dental insurance.So if you don't have insurance for your dental needs, these are the costs you should bear for some of the dental treatments. No, this is not a joke! According to an article on CNBC with data provided by Sikka Software, today - the day after St. Patrick's Day - you generally see a 64% increase in emergency dentist visits in the United States.

This data is based on the average number of visits on March 18 compared to an average of full months.In conclusion, if you're looking for an ideal time to visit your dentist for a checkup or procedure, try scheduling an appointment during fall or late spring/early winter/summer months. Avoid peak times such as January and February when insurance benefits begin and end respectively. If you're looking for a specific day of the week that's less hectic than others in a dental office setting, try scheduling an appointment on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

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  • Lesson 08: A visit to the Dentist

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Readings – level 2.

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  • Lesson 03: Saint Patrick’s Day
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  • Reading – Level 2
A visit to the Dentist Eva has a terrible toothache today. She wants to see her dentist as soon as possible. She visited her dentist six months ago. She went there for a cleaning and check up. When she visited the dentist everything was all right. Eva is afraid of the dentist’s drill. She does not like the sound it makes. She gets nervous when she hears the drill going. She knows that visits to the dentist can be very expensive if you do not have dental coverage. Some employers offer dental coverage as part of the benefit package. Other employers offer to pay a big percentage of the coverage. Eva has a good job. She works for a financial company on Wall Street so she has a good dental coverage. The dentist is going to see if Eva has a new cavity. Cavities are little holes that bacteria make in your teeth when you don’t brush them. To avoid getting cavities people should brush their teeth three times a day. If the filling of the cavity is gone, the dentist will have to fill the cavity one more time. Eva is nervous. She does not like the idea of getting a new filling because her dentist will have to use the drill to clean the bad part of the tooth. If he has to do that, Eva will ask him to give her a shot of anesthesia so that she does not feel the pain. When Eva leaves the dentist’s office, she will not be able to eat anything for quite some time. document.createElement('audio'); http://easyworldofenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/readings_level2_11b.mp3

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  • v.15(4); Jul-Aug 2022

First Dental Visit: Age Reasons Oral Health Status and Dental Treatment Needs among Children Aged 1 Month to 14 Years

Neha padung.

1-3 Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sukhdeep Singh

Neha awasthi.

The aim of this study was to see the age and also the reasons for the child's first dental visit and to assess the oral health status and treatment desires.

Materials and methods

The study involved 133 children aged between 1 month and 14 years, who reported to the department of pediatric and preventive dentistry. All parents/legal guardians of the study participants gave written consent for participation in the study. Information on the child's age and reason for the dental visit were collected from a questionnaire given to parents. The children's dental condition was assessed by decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) and DMFT values.

Statistical analysis used

Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and categorical data were compared by using Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Age of the child for first dental visit was male: 85.7% at 9 years and female: 75.00% at 4 years. Majority of children who visited the dentist were age 7 years. The most common chief complaint about the primary visit was caries, and the second was tooth pain.

Children report for the primary dental visit most commonly solely after 7 years and for complaints like caries and tooth pain. Children make their first dental visit too late (usually at the age of 7 years) in reference to medical recommendations (between 6 and 12 months of life). More of restoration was the treatment of need by 47.00%. The results of this study indicate unhealthy oral health creating their first dental visit and low health awareness of parents and guardians.

How to cite this article

Padung N. First Dental Visit: Age Reasons Oral Health Status and Dental Treatment Needs among Children Aged 1 Month to 14 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):394-397.

I ntroduction

Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children in developing countries. Early childhood caries, or tooth decay in children younger than 6 years, is the most common chronic disease among children. 1 - 3 Early childhood caries prevalence increases and leads to psychosocial, functional, and growing problems among children. Early childhood tooth decay is preventable and largely reversible in its early stages through self-care, use of professional services, and exposure to community interventions such as water fluoridation. During dental visits, children can receive an assessment for disease risk, early detection and treatment services, preventive care such as fluoride therapy, and anticipatory guidance. To ensure exposure to prevention early in life, professional organizations recommend that children have a dental home by 12 months of age. 4 One of the reasons for unsatisfactory dental health among the youngest population is the delay in the first visit of the child to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that the child's first visit to the dentist should take place within 6 months of eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than at the age of 12 months (AAPD, 2014; ADA, 2000), 5 , 6 while other sources suggest 12–18 months as the optimal time for the first visit (Adamowicz-Klepalska, 2009; Marcinkowska et al., 2013). 7 , 8 Argentine researchers Furze and Basso indicate that the first dental visit of a preventive character should take place in the fourth month of intrauterine life. During this visit, the expectant mother receives information about caries, its infectivity, is instructed that the mother is the main source of transmittable Streptococcus mutans , and is advised on how to provide oral care to the child and possible preventive procedures. The aim of this visit is to stimulate the interest of the pregnant woman in her own health but also in the health of her unborn child (Furze and Basso). 9 The information offered to parents at the first visit could inspire greater interest in the child's dental health and could accordingly mitigate the course of caries. The child's first dental visit has a significant impact on shaping a positive attitude and tolerance towards further treatments and helps to develop trust in the dentist. Thus, exposing children to the dental setting at a very early age can diminish their dental anxiety, whereas early dental education may improve the parent's self-efficacy in managing the oral health of their children. 10 The ADA recognizes the patient's chief complaint as an essential component for the delivery of competent and quality oral health care. It serves as a source of information for both the care provider and the patient. Hence, the main aim of this study was to know the average age at which parents first seek dental care for their children and also to find out the common reasons for seeking dental care at the first visit to the School of Dental Sciences, Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh, India. 11

M aterials and M ethods

The research protocol obtained approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, Ref. No. SU/SMS&R/76-A/2019/142 on 18 th October 2019. The study group consisted of 133 children who had their first dental visit. All subjects were patients and parents reporting to the outpatient department in the department of pediatrics and preventive dentistry. Sample selection of children in the age group of 1 month to 14 years, reporting to the department of pediatrics and preventive dentistry. Informed consent was obtained from parents. Data on the child's age and reason for the dental visit were collected by interviewing the parents; a clinical pro forma was designed to record data. The state of oral health and dental treatment needs were assessed based on clinical examination using mouth mirror and a dental probe. The reasons for their visit were divided into the following five categories:

  • Prophylactic examination,
  • Tooth pain,
  • Tooth decay,
  • Injury to tooth and associated structures,

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Categorical data were compared by using Chi-square test. Continuous data were tested for normality by using Shapiro–Wilk test. Parametric tests of significance (independent t -test and one-way analysis of variance) were used for inferential statistics. Else, the nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test) were used. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

A total of 134 children visited the department of pediatric and preventive dentistry for the first time between November 2019 and January 2020. Records of 133 children were utilized, of which 77 were male (mean 8.32 ± 3.147) and 56 were female (mean 8.02 ± 3.446) p -value shows 0.595, NS ( Table 1 ).

Mean age association between sex

Table 2 shows the mean DMF(T) among males (0.41 ± 1.122) was high as compared to females (0.41 ± 1.385) p -value shows 0.998 NS, the decayed, missing, filled surface [DMF(S)] among males (0.72 ± 1.933) was high as compared to females (0.77 ± 2.565) p -value shows 0.898 NS, DMF(T) among males (mean 2.37 ± 3.080) was high as compared to females (mean 2.13 ± 3.015) p -value 0.645 NS, DMF(S) among males (mean 5.06 ± 6.493) was high as compared to females (mean 4.20 ± 6.493) p -value 0.477 NS.

Oral health status

Majority of children who visited the dentist were of age 7 years ( Fig. 1 ). Most common chief complaint for their visit was tooth decay (male 43.60% and female 33.90%) ( Fig. 2 ). The predominant reason for the child's first dental visit was caries, the need for treatment was restoration with 47.00%, followed by pulp therapy 29.90% and extraction 21.60% ( Fig. 3 ). The youngest patient who required treatment due to caries-related complications was a boy aged 2 years, visiting the dentist due to toothache.

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Mean age at first dental visit

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Reason for the first dental visit

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Prevalence of need for various treatments

D iscussion

The child oral health care ought to be seen because the foundation on which a lifetime of preventive education and dental care are often built so as to help assure the best oral health into childhood. Oral examination, anticipatory guidance together with preventive education, and acceptable therapeutic intervention for the child will enhance the chance for a lifetime of freedom from preventable oral unwellness, emphasized in education regarding the importance of oral health for general health and adequate dietary and healthful habits, moreover as basic info concerning dental caries, so as to encourage the parents to stick to a program. 12 The longer a child's initial dental visit is delayed, more the chances he or she is to develop serious dental issues that might doubtless deteriorate rapidly in the absence of correct care and treatment. Unobserved and untreated dental caries will result in infection and moderate to severe pain, which may actively prevent children from eating, sleeping, and enjoying daily activities, additionally ultimately resulting in high-priced dental treatment and, in some cases, early loss of teeth. These consequences might have an effect on children's overall health and development. Given these problems, the investigation of early dental visitation is warranted. 13

Most of the kids within the current study visited dental clinics for the primary time at the age of 7 years. These results were not in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and AAPD tips. The mean age of kids visiting the dental workplace was more than the age suggested by the AAP, and therefore the AAPD, and this influences the dearth of information of parents about the age of the primary dental visit. The foremost common reasons for the primary dental visit were the presence of decayed teeth and dental pain perception. Only 2.60% of males and 4.40% females of children had visited the dentist for dental check-ups. Asymptomatic dental clinic attendance was not common in this report. This could provide evidence that parents are neither aware nor conscious of oral health prevention for their children. Very similar findings were presented by Wilk-Sieczak et al., who reported that 63% of children made their first dental visit due to the need for treatment (tooth decay and pain). 14 Daou et al. reported the reason for the first consultation; the most common was the presence of decayed teeth (50.9%) and dental pain perception (29.5%). 4 Yahya et al., Soxman, and Masiga in their respective studies suggested that the most common reason for the child's first dental visit was dental caries and its related complications. 15 - 17 Some study shows different reasons; Olatosi et al. reported the most common reason for visiting the dental clinic was dental pain (33.1%). 10 Ramakrishnan and Dharsini, in this retrospective study, the maximum number of children who reported their first dental visit was between 13 and 17 years (46%). The most common chief complaint for the visit was pain (47%) and the second common complaint was malocclusion (20%). 11

Results from the present study and other previous studies clearly suggest that universally, there are still no established practices for parents/caregivers to take their infants to visit the dentist at the recommended age. 12 Indian researchers reported an older age range for the child's first dental visit: Nino et al. indicated that children visit the dentist for the first time at age 7, 18 while a retrospective study by Meera et al. found that 59% of children have their first visit at the age of 6–12 years, and only 8.52% by the age of 3 years. 19 Studies carried out in Bulgaria by Mileva and Kondeva revealed that the greatest number of children making their first dental visit was 3–6 years old (51.9%), and the smallest number were those younger than 1 year (1.73%). 20

Ghimire et al. reported that in Nepal, most children making their first dental visit were 7–11 years old (52.7%), and only 7% were younger than 3 years. 21 Studies by Murshid found that in Saudi Arabia, most children visit the dentist at the age of 3–5 years (52.9%) and less often at the age under 3 years (32.2%). 22

In order to enhance oral health among children, it is essential that oral health-related education and education for motivating the parents of young children are provided throughout each dental visit. This additionally concerns pregnant women, who have been found to be a lot willing to follow all kinds of counsel throughout this period. 23 Cooperation in early childhood dental caries interference is additionally expected of non-dental medical employees (including pediatricians, general practitioners, and nurses). They should encourage their patients to schedule the primary dental visit for the child within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth, and also make sure visits take place regularly. 24

Limitation of this study is that few children were included (smaller sample size). It is counseled that in children below the age of 6 years, brushing with fluoridated dentifrice should be supervised so as to stop general systemic. Regarding the preventive program, most of the children need pit and fissure sealant application. However, the practicability of pit and fissure sealants in the Indian state of affairs is questionable. However, on a priority basis for selected clusters of school children, pit and fissure sealant application can be taken as preventive measures. An honest protocol for dental and oral care should be necessary, and skilled dental follow-up should be integrated into the medical follow-up.

C onclusion

Within the limitations of the study, children report for the first dental visit most commonly only after 7 years, and for complaints such as tooth decay and tooth pain. Children make their first dental visit too late in relation to medical recommendations (between 6 and 12 months of life). Parents sought dental care for their children, mainly for curative reasons, and the most predominant reason for the first dental visit was dental caries. The results of this study indicate that bad oral health, making their first dental visit too late, and low health awareness of parents and guardians.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

R eferences

When Should Baby Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Medical review policy, latest update:, when to schedule baby's first dental visit, how to choose a dentist for your child, read this next, what happens at baby's first dentist visit, tips to make your child’s dentist visit easier, how often to visit the dentist.

Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, your dentist will let you know when to make the next visit. Most experts recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd Edition, Heidi Murkoff. What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Dental Care , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Is Your Toddler Teething? , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Preventing Cavities and Keeping Baby's Teeth Healthy , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Brushing Baby's Teeth , July 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know , November 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Good Oral Health Starts Early , November 2020 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Frequently Asked Questions , 2021. American Dental Association, Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile , May 2014.

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    this is her second visit to the dentist this month

VIDEO

  1. Dentist visit #filling appointment 😬USA

  2. Me at the dentist part 2 x

  3. Ethan's First Dentist Appointment

  4. Lucas' first dentist visit at 2 1/2 yrs old on 03/06/08

  5. My dentist visit. Oh yeah

  6. Dental Check Up

COMMENTS

  1. What to Expect at a Dentist Visit for an Adult

    You'll have fresher breath, too. When the dentist probes your teeth and checks the gums for pockets, it may hurt and bleed a bit. The pain shouldn't last long. Don't be overwhelmed if the dentist ...

  2. Dental Visits

    On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed, make sure to tell them. Most dental visits are checkups. Regular checkups (ideally every six months) will help your teeth stay cleaner, last longer and can prevent painful problems from developing. A thorough cleaning.

  3. A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

    The second visit. Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a developmental problem. Talk to your dentist about payment options if the cost of dental ...

  4. How Often Should I See My Dentist

    These appointments may occur every 2-6 months. 2. Generally, children should get their first oral exam as soon as their first baby tooth comes in or by their first birthday. As the child gets older, dental checkups should occur as often as your dentist advises, with a typical recommendation of every six months to a year.

  5. A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

    The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle ...

  6. San Diego Hospital, Healthcare

    The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle ...

  7. Dental Checkups for Children and Adults

    This may include a dental exam of the mother and her dental history. (The condition of the mom's teeth can often predict her child's teeth.) After your first visit, schedule regular visits every 6 months or as your dentist recommends. Adults, teens, and school-age children. Your dentist will recommend how often to have routine checkups.

  8. How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

    While it's true that visiting the dentist twice a year is a good rule of thumb for many people, the truth is that you have your own unique smile needs. So it depends on your oral hygiene, habits, and individual medical conditions. Some people only need to visit the dentist once or twice are year, while others may need to go more often.

  9. Regular Checkups: How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

    They allow early detections of dental and oral issues, allowing better health management: Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss as recommended, you still need to visit your dentist. Patients are unable to detect things like cavities or gum disease before they get too advanced and painful. Regular visits make it possible for early ...

  10. Preparing Your Child for Their First Dentist Visit

    Once you have an appointment scheduled, start preparing your child for the visit. Children learn best when they are having fun. You can practice giving their stuffed animal a checkup with a toy mirror. Your child can bring that same stuffed animal to the dental visit to get a check-up by the dentist. Read books to them.

  11. Your Child's First Dental Visit

    For the bulk of the visit the dentist will spend time examining your child's teeth and jaw and how they are developing. The dentist will also look for any cavities, gum and mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist will clean your child's teeth. Dentists and their hygienists are used to children who squirm, wiggle, twitch and cry.

  12. When to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy

    The first trimester of your pregnancy (the first 13 weeks) is the time in which most of the baby's major organs develop. If you go to the dentist during your first trimester, tell your dentist that you're pregnant and have only a checkup and routine cleaning. If possible, postpone any major dental work until after the first trimester.

  13. Here's How Often You Really Need to Go to the Dentist

    The Bottom Line. It's a good idea to see the dentist every six months, or more often if you have gum or tooth problems or are at high risk for developing them. Some people with excellent dental hygiene may just be more prone to developing cavities, for instance. If you're anxious about your visit, let the dentist know so you can find ways to ...

  14. First Dental Visit for Baby

    The dentist will examine your child to make sure their jaw and teeth are developing in the way they should. During the visit, you will be seated in the dental chair with your child on your lap if your child isn't able to — or doesn't want to — sit in the chair alone. The dentist will check for mouth injuries, cavities or other issues.

  15. Taking Your Child To The Dentist For The First Time

    A quick search of the internet revealed that kids can start going to the dentist as soon as their teeth begin popping through—which, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), is usually around 6 months old. ( Whoops.) This, the organization says, is because tooth decay affects one in five children under 5—so by starting screenings ...

  16. A Child's First Dental Visit

    The recommendation for a child's first dental visit to occur at or before age 1 has been the standard since 2001. Yet, practically speaking, dentistry for patients under the age of 3 continues to be largely spoken of didactically, and not widely implemented clinically in general practice. This is not a criticism as much as an observation.

  17. A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

    The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle ...

  18. When is the Best Time to Visit the Dentist?

    For the best month to schedule your dental treatment, fall, late spring or early winter or summer will be the recommended days to schedule your visit, as dental offices see fewer patients during these seasons. In the meantime, you may want to avoid the months of January, February, April, and December.These months are peak dental office seasons ...

  19. Lesson 08: A visit to the Dentist

    A visit to the Dentist. Eva has a terrible toothache today. She wants to see her dentist as soon as possible. She visited her dentist six months ago. She went there for a cleaning and check up. When she visited the dentist everything was all right. Eva is afraid of the dentist's drill. She does not like the sound it makes.

  20. First Dental Visit: Age Reasons Oral Health Status and Dental Treatment

    Children report for the primary dental visit most commonly solely after 7 years and for complaints like caries and tooth pain. Children make their first dental visit too late (usually at the age of 7 years) in reference to medical recommendations (between 6 and 12 months of life). More of restoration was the treatment of need by 47.00%.

  21. How long will I have to wait for my next session after first round of

    Ideally, the second visit should be within two weeks, however as long as you don't have any pain or discomfort, it should be fine. After the root canal treatment, you might feel a bit discomforts for a day or two, that's normal, but if the discomfort last for a week, you should contact your dentist to let him/her know. Kind regards,

  22. First Dental Visit: When Should Baby Visit the Dentist?

    When to schedule baby's first dental visit. It might sound early, but aim to schedule your baby's first dentist appointment at a pediatric dentist (or one who's good with children) within 6 months of the time he sprouts a tooth or turns a year old, whichever comes first, according to the latest guidelines from the American Academy of ...

  23. What If You Don't Visit the Dentist Every Six Months

    If you don't visit the dentist every six months, you may also be at higher risk of gum disease, or periodontitis, Silver warns. Known to damage the soft tissue around teeth, gum disease can ultimately erode the bones supporting the teeth "which can result in tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated," she says ...