Your Child’s First Visit to State Street Smiles in Hackensack, NJ
About Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Forming good dental hygiene habits early on is important. Many parents aren’t sure when to bring their child to the dentist for the first time, so they may wait longer than they should. Children should start seeing a dentist when their first tooth appears, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This usually occurs between six months and your child’s first birthday.
At State Street Smiles, we’ll do everything possible to ensure your child’s first trip to the dentist is as fun and positive as possible. During their first visit, Dr. Eddie and our friendly staff have the opportunity to teach you how to properly care for your child’s smile.
Too often, children visit the dentist at the age of three or four for the first time with large cavities that could have been prevented. Their first appointment should simply be to get you better acquainted with our services and to introduce your child to our State Street Smiles team.
We encourage questions and will always do our best to deliver quality care that’s trustworthy for even the youngest members of the family. Together, we’ll maintain your child’s teeth and gums for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
When Is the Best Time to Schedule an Initial Dental Visit?
You know your child best, so you should schedule the appointment at a time when your child is alert and happy. We find that young or particularly anxious children often have a better experience in the dental environment during the morning hours. At this time of day, children are well rested, refreshed, and more cooperative. In the afternoon, children are often tired and cranky, putting us, and your child, at a disadvantage from the start.
Some younger children still need naps. We ask that you take this into consideration when scheduling appointments and try not to schedule their appointments during nap time. This will make the visit much more pleasant for everyone.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Try to bring your little one to the dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in. That way, their initial appointment will be all about helping them feel comfortable at the dentist’s office. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes and will likely include a full exam of the teeth and mouth to check growth and development. If necessary, your child also might have a gentle cleaning.
Another benefit to bringing your child to the dentist young is the advice you can get on subjects like:
- Teething
- Pacifier and thumb-sucking habits
- Infant and toddler feeding practices
- Baby bottle tooth decay
- Proper teeth and mouth cleaning practices
The first dentist appointment should leave your child feeling relaxed and you feeling more informed about proper pediatric dental care. We make every effort to make your child’s dental experience a positive one.