Your child’s first visit to the dentist can be scheduled as soon as the first tooth appears or before their first birthday. Do not wait until you see a cavity to introduce your child to a dentist.

Be calm about the visit. Your child has no reason to be alarmed unless it is suggested.

Do not expect perfect behavior from your child, especially on the first visit.

Staff at the dental office will show your child the basic equipment and instruments that will be used at the time of his/her appointment.

During the visit, the dentist or hygienist will teach your child the proper way to brush and floss.

They will perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

A topical fluoride will be applied to the teeth in older children.

Parents should be aware that dental problems in today’s children are preventable by various means such as:

Checkups every six months with your family dentist. The dentist can detect early stages of decay and other diseases before they become serious.

Your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements, depending on the amount of fluoride in your drinking water.

Your child may benefit from dental sealants as well. A sealant is a plastic coating applied by your dentist to molar teeth to protect them from decay.

Eat a well-balanced diet, avoid sugary snacks and soda. Drink more water.