Baby’s First Trip to the Dentist: What to Expect

You should schedule your infant’s first dental visit soon after their first birthday or after the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. It’s important to begin caring for your baby’s teeth right away because it helps establish good oral hygiene habits and strong teeth and gums. Your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, will be happy to guide you through your child’s first dental appointment and what to expect.

An Infant Dental Visit May Last Up to 45 Minutes

This first visit is used to help familiarize your child with the dentist, but it also helps give the dentist insight into your baby’s dental health. At this time, they’ll perform a routine infant dental exam, which usually means looking at their teeth, gums, and oral tissue. They may examine your baby’s bite and check for issues such as tongue-tie or lip-tie. They’ll take a complete medical history and may ask about any genetic dental conditions that run in your family.

The Pediatric Dentist Probably Won’t Take X-Rays

At this initial dental visit, X-rays usually aren’t required. However, if your dentist finds a problem that could cause future orthodontic issues, they may decide to take an X-ray. Fortunately, dental X-rays for children are much safer than they used to be. They use a minute, harmless dose of radiation, and your child will wear a protective apron during the procedure.

Your Child’s Dentist Will Talk to You, Too

Your first trip to the pediatric dentist will be educational for you, too. Dentists take this opportunity to educate first-time parents on topics such as cleaning infant gums, putting babies to bed with a bottle, and how long to use a pacifier. These can all impact a child’s oral health and the appearance of their smile as they age. For this reason, your child’s dentist will want to make sure you understand the best way to care for your baby’s teeth and gums until they’re old enough to begin brushing and flossing themselves.

If you’re in need of pediatric dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, we invite you to call Big Grins today. At Big Grins, we specialize in setting families at ease. Call today to schedule your baby’s first dental visit with our friendly and experienced team member.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html