What To Know Going into Your Child’s First Dental Checkup

For many adults, dental checkups have become routine appointments that hardly get a second thought. For many children, however, these appointments can seem scary because they do not know much about them. Therefore, educating your child about what to expect can make them feel more comfortable — and sometimes even excited — about their first dental checkup. A refresher on the basics of dental checkups for children can help parents throughout this educational preparation process.

Dental checkups for children

Just like for adults, dental checkups for children have three components. The first are dental X-rays to ensure good oral health beneath the gums. The second is a dental cleaning, in which a dental hygienist cleans away plaque and tartar, flosses the teeth, and polishes them. The third and final component is the oral examination, in which a general dentist evaluates oral health and looks for signs of issues in and around the mouth. This is done visually and by prodding the teeth or gums with dental instruments.

The younger the child, the more their first dental checkup will be geared toward helping them become accustomed to being in the dentist’s chair. It is unlikely that there will be much tartar to scale away. Still, for most ages, the entire checkup will take less than an hour.

If there are any issues, the general dentist may be able to solve them right after the checkup. For instance, they may fill a minor cavity right then. However, it is more common for patients to schedule a second appointment for more extensive cavity treatment and other restorative procedures.

When should the first appointment happen?

It is never too late for a child’s first dental checkup. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children visit the dentist before their first birthday, many parents do not know this and, thus, do not even think about dental appointments until later. This can lead to guilt and panic that they missed the window. While not ideal, there is no need to worry — a general dentist can provide a first-time dental checkup at any age. Nevertheless, do not purposely delay the checkup. It is better to have these appointments sooner rather than later to promote good long-term oral health.

What to bring to a children’s dental checkup

Parents must bring a few items to their child's first dental checkup. Since children do not have a convenient form of identification, parents do not have to worry about bringing in a birth certificate. Instead, they can bring in their own government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. Other documentation to bring includes proof of insurance coverage (either an insurance card or policy number) and medical records.

In addition, many children find it helpful to bring a comfort item to their first dental checkup. Typically, children are the most nervous about a dental cleaning. Toys they can hold during this portion of the appointment, such as stuffed animals or blankets, are recommended.