Make Your Child's First Dental Visit Stress Free

According to the American Dental Assocation (ADA), babies are at risk for dental decay as soon as their teeth begin to emerge. The ADA recommends starting to gently wipe your baby's gums with a damp washcloth a few days after he is born. This should be done daily.

As soon as the first tooth comes through, start brushing it with a child-size toothbrush and water. Once the child is two, begin adding a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste to the brush.

If possible, take your child with you when you go to the dentist (making sure you have an older child or another adult who can watch your little one while you're in the chair). You can also let your child watch as his older siblings have exams or dental work done.

At home, you can establish good oral care habits by brushing and flossing with your child. If he sees dental visits and daily dental hygiene routines as normal occurrences, he will be much less afraid to visit the dentist when it's his turn.

Hit your local bookstore or public library to pick up books and videos about oral care and going to the dentist. Look for books with familiar characters, and check out YouTube for videos featuring your child's favorite characters.

Doing your best to make your child feel safe and comfortable during his first dentist appointment can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy dental practice.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.