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Got Teeth?

Taking Your Toddler to the Dentist

By Alex Powell

Wondering when your little one should get his first dental checkup? It may be sooner than you think.

The American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and even the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend your child see a dentist within six months of the eruption of his first tooth and no later than his first birthday.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a child's first dental visit is education, for both you and your child, says Dr. Carol Summerhays, a spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry based in San Diego, Calif. The dentist will discuss proper cleaning, nutrition and the management of potentially adverse habits such as thumb-sucking, sugary snacks or inappropriate use of bottles or nursing.

These early visits are also screening visits, especially if your toddler has several primary teeth already or is older. "Basically, we're working to prevent future problems," says Wendi Garnett, a dental hygienist in Monroe, La. Your child's teeth, gums, jaw and oral tissues will be checked for both signs of decay and developmental problems.

Should anything special be done to prepare for the first trip to the dentist? It depends on the child and the parent, says Dr. Summerhays. "What we usually recommend is that the parents bring the child in with them on one of their cleaning appointments, or at least bring the child in for a visit before their first appointment," she says. This helps familiarize the children with the dental office and staff.

It worked for Amina*, a mom of six in Denver, Colo. Before her children had their first dental visit, "I let them come along when I was having a cleaning or something small like that and let them watch," says Amina. She also allowed her younger children to tag along when older siblings were having non-painful work done. You can also begin preparing for the visit by talking with your child about going to the dentist or using some of the many children's books and videotapes available.

However, if you dread the dentist, it's important to tread with caution when talking about the first visit, notes Dr. Summerhays. "Unfortunately, when parents are nervous, they can start to transmit their fear to the child," she says. Let your child's other parent or caregiver do any preparatory talk if you are feeling really anxious.

And keep in mind too much information can overwhelm very young children, says Garnett. It may be best to keep details to a minimum, and treat the first visits as simply "going to see some friends." When in doubt, simply ask about preparing your child when you call to schedule the appointment. Your child's dentist or his or her staff will be able to give you tips.

Want to see more?

• Tooth Brushing: No Job for a Kid!
• Tooth Time: Taking Your Preschooler to the Dentist
• Confessions of a Tooth Fairy
• Talk about it!