Knowing what to expect when you first visit the dentist can ease some of your fears and help you prepare for the unexpected. Routine cleanings and x-rays every six months are important for maintaining your oral health and can help prevent major dental problems now and in the future.

 

Kids should begin visiting the dentist when their first tooth erupts or when they turn 6 months old, whichever is first, to ensure healthy development of their teeth and gums. The first appointment is an opportunity for your child to experience some of what will be expected in future dental visits. Until children are around 3 years old, the dental visit will consist of the doctor looking in the patient’s mouth and then wiping off the teeth with some gauze, followed by an application of fluoride varnish to help keep the teeth strong. This is not a standard cleaning, as most children cannot handle the stresses of a full cleaning. Most of the time, we will have the parents help hold the child in their lap and allow the doctor to see in their mouth. We refer to this as a lap exam. Lap exams will likely continue for the next few dental appointments, depending on the level of cooperation.

 

Regular checkups should be done every six months. During routine visits, we will clean and remove plaque from the teeth, identify potential problems, and offer education on proper oral care for optimum oral health.