How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

Did you know that kids should see the dentist for the first time by the age of 1, or whenever their first baby tooth emerges? It’s true, and if your little one is overdue for a teeth cleaning and oral exam in Las Vegas, the team at Desert Kids Dental is here to help.

Nervous about your little one’s appointment with Dr. Thompson? We get it. Here are a few tips and steps you can take to prepare yourself and your child, and ensure their first visit to Desert Kids Dental goes well! 
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What To Expect At The Appointment

First, it’s important to know what will happen during your child’s first consultation. For the most part, your child’s appointment will be identical to an adult teeth cleaning. Here’s what will happen during your child’s first visit! 

• X-rays – X-rays at our office are completely safe. We will only recommend x-rays if Dr. Thompson thinks they’re necessary, particularly for younger kids. We use the latest digital x-ray technology to enhance safety, and x-rays are a powerful tool for diagnosing hidden oral health issues.
  
  
• Teeth cleaning – Your child’s teeth will be scraped to remove plaque and tartar, then polished with a special buffing brush and gritty toothpaste. Then, their teeth will be flossed to remove any remaining debris.
  
  
• Oral exam – Once their hygienist is done with their cleaning, Dr. Thompson will come in and examine your child’s mouth carefully. She will look for any signs of oral health and development issues, and discuss any potential problems she finds. At this time, she can also answer questions from you and your child, and help you learn more about proper pediatric oral care.
  

That’s it! Your child’s first visit usually takes only 30 minutes or less, and we do our best to make dental care feel fun, approachable, and safe at Desert Kids Dental. Still, there are a few other ways you can ensure the appointment goes smoothly!
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Prepare Your Child For Their First Visit 

It can be helpful to discuss the basics of dental care with your child. We recommend watching some fun YouTube videos about the dentist, checking out some children’s books from the library, and taking a look at online resources that will help your child understand the importance of dental care.
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Always Talk About The Dentist Positively

Never use negative words like “shot,” “hurt,” “pain,” and other such terms when talking about dental care. Kids tend to latch onto negative words and ideas and hold onto them, and this can make them feel scared. Maintain a good attitude and use positive language to describe dentistry. This will help your child feel more safe.
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Communicate With Your Dentist 

It can be good to communicate with your dentist before your appointment to ensure the comfort of your child. For example, if you know your child will want to hold your hand during treatment or they need to bring a comfort item, you can tell Dr. Thompson. 

Communicating with your dentist before your child’s appointment also helps you gain more insights into what to expect at your child’s first appointment, and gives you peace of mind. And don’t forget to talk with them after the appointment, too! Dentists like Dr. Thompson can provide a lot of valuable advice about dental care to you and your child. 
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Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Checkup At Desert Kids Dental

We understand that your child’s first dental visit can be stressful. But at Desert Kids Dental, our family-friendly office, kind and caring staff, and expertise in pediatric dentistry will help the process go more smoothly. So don’t wait. Schedule your little one’s first appointment with Dr. Thompson now by contacting us online or giving us a call at (702) 660-7099.