Your Child's First Dental Visit (Conclusion)

How do I prepare my child and myself for the first visit?

Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures that

will take place during the first appointment so there are no

surprises. Plan a course of action for any possible reaction

your child may have. Very young children may be fussy and

not sit still. Others may become very frightened and cry.

Some children may not react negatively at all. Some may enjoy

the appointment very much! There are a number of children's

books about going to the dentist. Read these books with your

child before his or her first visit to familiarize your child

with what will happen at the dentist and help lessen any

potential anxiety.

Try to make the upcoming appointment something to look

forward to. Help your child understand what will happen during

the visit. Also, be sure to bring any records of your child's

complete medical history for his or her dental file.

To schedule an appointment for yourself or your little one, please give us a call! We are always accepting new patients, and would love to have you and your family in the office.

S. Brett DeLawter, DDS

(818) 242-1708

Your Child's First Dental Visit (Part 1)

When should my child first see a
dentist, and why?

The ideal time for a child to visit the dentist is six
months after the child's first (primary) teeth erupt.
This time frame is a perfect opportunity for the
dentist to carefully examine the development of
the child's mouth. Because dental problems often
start early, the sooner the child visits the dentist,
the better. To protect against problems, such as
early childhood decay, teething irritations, gum
disease, and prolonged thumb or pacifier-sucking,
the dentist can provide or recommend special
preventative care.