When should you take your child to the dentist for the first time? Find out from a dentist in New York, NY in this pediatric dentistry guide.

The moment your new baby smiles their first smile, your heart melts. Slowly but surely, that tiny, gummy mouth will fill up with itty-bitty teeth. Before you know it, it will be time to begin thinking about choosing a pediatric dentist. When is the right time to look into pediatric dentistry for your child?

At Tribeca Smiles, we believe that bright smiles begin early. Our pediatric team sees patients as young as 18 months old. Continue reading to learn their advice on when to schedule your child's first dental visit. 

When Should I Make My Child's First Dental Appointment?

At Tribeca Smiles, our youngest pediatric patients are between 18 months and two years of age. Dr. Solomon believes this is the ideal time to start tracking your child's dental development. It allows your child to build a relationship with the dentist and helps him record baseline observations about your child's growth. 

You know your child best, so choose a time in that window when you believe they are emotionally ready. With that said, many young patients get to know our staff during infancy! At Tribeca Smiles, our policy is that children may accompany parents to adult dental checkups. This helps familiarize the child with the setting, reducing anxiety.

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

At Tribeca Smiles, we aim to make your little one's first dental appointment an enjoyable, low-stress experience. We will never do anything invasive or uncomfortable at the first appointment. Our goal is to familiarize your child with the office, staff, and equipment.

For our very youngest patients, our only goal for the appointment is to get them comfortable in the dentist's chair. From there, we will always follow the child's lead. If your child seems comfortable, we try to take a peek inside their mouth and make a few observations. If your child has a hard time, we'll focus on familiarizing them with the space.

Ideally, they'll leave with positive associations about visiting the dentist. 

What Can I Do to Prepare?

Parents can begin looking after their child's dental health long before their first appointment. Dr. Solomon advises introducing toothbrushing as soon as your baby's first tooth appears. All teeth can develop plaque, and this simple practice will help normalize daily hygiene routines. 

Before your appointment, consider watching a YouTube video of a child's dentist visit and talking about what you see. Some parents also enjoy roleplaying with their child. 

Many parents visit your local library and check out a few books about visiting the dentist before the appointment. This will further familiarize your child with what they might see, hear, and experience during their visit.

Remember to keep your tone light, excited, and positive to build up anticipation for the visit. 

Start Your Child's Pediatric Dentistry Journey at Tribeca Smiles

A lifetime of dental health begins when you bring your child to their first pediatric dentistry appointment. You'll teach them to prioritize their oral health and care for their teeth. Scheduling an appointment is the first step toward modeling positive dental hygiene habits for life. 

If your child is ready for their first dental visit, we invite you to see a Tribeca Smiles dentist in New York, NY. Our compassionate pediatric professionals are eager to make your child's first appointment a positive experience. You can schedule your appointment online to get started.