When do I start taking my kid to the dentist?

Should I go to a pediatric dentist instead of my dentist? We know you have many questions and we are here to help. The Parent's Place section is dedicated to answering your questions and giving you the tools needed to keep your child's teeth healthy. According the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first dental visit should be scheduled when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and her staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel. We have gone to great lengths to help ensure that your child is comfortable during his or her visit. There are several things you can do to help make it an enjoyable experience. Below are a few tips: Take another adult along for the visit - Sometimes infants become fussy when having their mouths examined. Having another adult along to soothe the infant allows the parent to ask questions and to attend to any advice the dentist may have. Leave other children at home - Other children can distract the parent and cause the infant to fuss. Leaving other children at home (when possible) makes the first visit less stressful for all concerned. Avoid threatening language – Pediatric dentists and staff are trained to avoid the use of threatening language, like drills, needles, injections, and bleeding. It is imperative for parents to use positive language when speaking about dental treatment with their child. Provide positive explanations - It is important to explain the purposes of the dental visit in a positive way. Explaining that the dentist "helps to keep teeth healthy" is far better than explaining that the dentist "is checking for tooth decay, and may have to drill the tooth if decay is found." Explain what will happen - Anxiety can be greatly reduced if the child knows what to expect. Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can be very helpful in making the visit seem fun. **What will happen during the first visit?** There are several goals for the first dental visit. First, the pediatric dentist and the child need to get properly acquainted. Second, the dentist needs to monitor tooth and jaw development to get an idea of the child's overall health history. Third, the dentist needs to evaluate the health of the existing teeth and gums. Finally, the dentist aims to answer questions and advise parents on how to implement a good oral care regimen.