Your Child’s First Dental Visit at Westlake Dental Care

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The first “regular” dental visit for your child should occur shortly after their third birthday. These early visits are simple, gentle, and designed to help your child feel safe and comfortable in the dental environment.

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To ease any anxiety, we may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the exam. In some cases, parents may be asked to wait in the reception area to help the child begin building a sense of independence and trust with the dentist.

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During this visit, we will:

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• Gently examine your child’s teeth and gums

• Take x-rays if needed to check for decay or monitor permanent teeth development

• Perform a light cleaning and apply fluoride for cavity prevention

• Discuss at-home fluoride use and oral hygiene tips with you

• Help your child get comfortable with the sights and sounds of a dental visit

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Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

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A positive first experience at the dentist starts at home. Here are a few tips to help prepare your child:

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• Schedule a short visit to tour our office

• Read fun children’s books about going to the dentist

• Talk calmly and positively about what to expect

• Share your own positive experiences with the dentist

 

What to Expect During the Visit

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At your child’s first appointment, the dentist will:

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• Examine the teeth, gums, and mouth

• Look for any habits that could affect development (e.g. thumb sucking)

• Determine if fluoride supplements are needed

• Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques

• Recommend a regular check-up schedule

 

Preventative Dental Care for Children

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Preventative care plays a critical role in protecting your child’s oral health. At Westlake Dental Care, we use the latest dental sealant technology to safeguard cavity-prone back teeth. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to chewing surfaces to block bacteria and food particles from settling in grooves.

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Tips for Preventing Cavities

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To help reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay, follow these simple guidelines:

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• Limit frequent snacking between meals

• Encourage daily brushing and flossing

• Monitor sugary drinks and juice consumption

• Avoid sticky foods like gummies or taffy

• Make sweet treats part of meals, not snacks

• Choose nutrient-rich snacks like cheese, fruit, or nuts

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Tooth Growth Timeline

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Your child’s first teeth typically appear between 6–8 months of age, starting with the lower front teeth. The rest emerge in pairs over time, with all 20 baby teeth usually present by age 2½.

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Around ages 5–6, the first permanent teeth begin to erupt. Some of these will replace baby teeth, while others will emerge in new spaces. Keeping baby teeth healthy is important—they help guide proper development of permanent teeth and support speech, chewing, and overall facial structure.