First Dentist Appointment

First Dentist Appointment For a Child: What You Need To Know

date: 02.05.2024

Author:

Dr. Lara Saleh

Lara Saleh, DDS, MS, is a board-certified, award-winning pediatric dentist and the Founder & Owner of Dr Toothfairy. Dr. Saleh is fluent in English, Arabic, and French. She is also the mother of two wonderful young children and loves helping them, and all of her young patients achieve lifelong oral health.

First Dentist Appointment

Your child’s first dentist appointment is an important milestone!  Think about it as your child’s first impression of how they should feel about good oral health and hygiene. First impressions are memories that last and help to reinforce good oral health habits. You and your pediatric dentist will be shaping the way your child feels about good health choices. Continue reading to learn what you need to know to make your child’s first dentist visit, and each one after, positive, fun, educational experiences that lead them toward lifelong oral health.

At what age should I schedule my child’s first appointment?

The first dental appointment should occur within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or at age one—whichever comes first. This may seem early, but it is important to make sure your child has healthy teeth and gums from the start.

First appointment preparation

Your child’s first dentist visit should be happy, pleasant, and fun.  At Dr Toothfairy, we understand that your child’s first appointment is a special milestone for both of you. We take great pride in being entrusted with that responsibility.  Preparing for your child’s first appointment is easy and helps a lot to make sure you have a great experience once you arrive at our office.

  1. First, if you have any questions, give us a call or send us a message
  2. Want to know more about Dr. Lara?  Meet Dr. Lara Saleh
  3. Read our helpful tips for a happy dental visit and our office policies.
  4. Complete your child’s patient forms prior to your visit.  By doing this ahead of time, you’ll be able to be present with your child and not distracted by this process when you arrive.
  5. Get directions to our office

What to expect on appointment day

On the day of the appointment, come a little early so you have time to check out our newly renovated office, it’s custom-built for you and your child to enjoy your visits with us. This is also a good time to get to know the staff and help your child feel comfortable by showing them around and pointing out things that may interest them.

Visiting The Dental Suite

When Dr. Lara is ready for you, a Dr Toothfairy team member will escort you and your child to our dental suite.  Here, you’ll meet Dr. Lara.  She will introduce herself to you and your child, review your child’s medical history with you, and answer any questions you or your child may have. She will then explain what she will be doing during the visit, including your child’s dental examination and dental cleaning.

Dental Examination

During your child’s dental examination, Dr. Lara will count your child’s teeth and look for any signs of cavities and other dental problems that may need to be addressed. She’ll also check for the presence of gum disease and make sure your child’s teeth are developing properly.

Dental Cleaning

During your child’s dental cleaning, Dr. Lara will use a special toothbrush to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your child’s teeth. Once everything is sparkling clean, she will apply a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities (if recommended).

At the end of the visit, Dr. Lara will discuss with you any areas that need attention and will provide you with tips on how to ensure your child’s oral health is well taken care of.

After The Dental Examination

After the dental examination is complete, our team will schedule your child’s next appointment and answer any additional questions you may have about caring for your child’s teeth at home. We understand that every family has different needs, so we tailor our recommendations for each child.

Congratulations! Your family has just taken an important step in laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Need A Dentist Appointment For Your Child?

Time for your child's first dental visit?  Looking for a new pediatric dentist in Falls Church, VA for your Children? Request an appointment with Dr. Toothfairy.

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