First Dental Visit

What age should I bring my child to see the dentist?
Age one or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth is the recommended age for children to see a dentist. Waiting until age 3 when all the primary teeth are in the mouth may be too late to prevent early cavities in some children.

My child cries when I brush. How will the first visit go?
If your child is young (mostly children under 3 years), the dentist may ask you to hold him/her on your lap where your child is most comfortable. This position allows the dentist to perform a thorough examination of the mouth. Very young children may get fussy but this is normal and to be expected. As they get accustomed to the office and notice other children sitting on the dental chair, they too will want to sit on the “big” chair.

Parent tips for the first dental visit

Play dentist with your child at home – count your child’s teeth and then reverse roles.
Watch videos or read books about going to the dentist.
Make early morning appointments when your child is fully rested.
Avoid using words such as: needle, drill, shot, hurt, or scared.
Do not show your fears or anxiety as these may be conveyed to your child.

What happens on a first dental visit?
The dentist will do the following:

Review your child’s medical and dental history
Check your child’s teeth and overall oral health
Inquire about snacks and feeding practices
Discuss oral hygiene and how to prevent dental problems
Assess risk for developing cavities
Examine, clean and/or apply fluoride on the teeth
Address parents’ questions or concerns

Together with the dentist, parents can set a strong foundation that will assure a lifetime of great oral health for their child.

Eagle Crest Pediatric Dentistry

Board-Certified Doctors

Proudly serving Havertown and the surrounding areas of Ardmore, Haverford, Broomall, Newtown Square, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Clifton Heights, Bala Cynwyd, Lansdowne, Ridley Park, Woodlyn, Prospect Park, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Overbrook, Holmes, Media, Darby, Folsom, Morton, Yeadon, Swarthmore, Wallingford.