Kids Dentistry

Your Child's First Visit

Your Child's First Visit

The first "regular" dental visit should be within 6 months after your child's first tooth erupts. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. Please let us know  in advance that your infant is coming for their first visit.  We will send you a special Dentasaurus book with their name in it to read about their upcoming visit.  Even if they can not understand the words, they will love the pictures and talking about visiting the dentist.  
 
On the day of the first visit,  please arrive early and show your child our office.  Feel free to bring any special cherished objects for your child.  We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. Dr. Finney will gently examine your child's teeth,  gums, and surrounding tissue. We may clean your child's   teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect against decay. We will discuss being  sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.
 
At the end of the visit we have a children's area for your child to choose a prize AND if your child has no cavities, we invite them to put their name on the No Cavity Club Board. 

What Should I Tell my Child about their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before a first haircut. Your child's reaction to their  first visit to the dentist may surprise you.  Oftentimes they LOVE coming to our office and ask when they can come again!

Here are some "First Visit" tips:

  • Take your child for a "preview" of   our office. Tell our staff your child will be coming and a special booklet on your child's first dental visit will be available.
  • Read books about going to the dentist.  Young children love the Dentasaurus one we will give you.   
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

During your First Visit  Dr. Finney Will:

1.  Examine your child's mouth, teeth and gums.
 
2.  Answer any questions, such  as using bottles, or thumb sucking.
3. Discuss your child's diet and fluoride intake.
4. Teach you about cleaning your child's  teeth and gums.
 
5.  Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.