Ready for your baby’s first appointment? 

Babies have a lot of firsts in their lives. First bath, first doctor appointment, first tooth, and their first dental checkup! For many families, this very first infant dental visit is a big milestone in their oral health. Yes, even babies need dental checkups!

These early visits work wonders at supporting early oral health. Not only do they help spot issues while they are still easy to fix, but they also help the child grow used to the idea of going to the dentist. Each good experience a child has will build on top of the last, meaning that by the time they are an adult, going to the dentist will be a regular part of their yearly routine.

When do kids need to come to the dentist for the first time? It is typically suggested that a child come in for their first dental visit when they get their first tooth, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. When families wait until the child is in school, they sometimes come in with preexisting cavities, tooth decay, or just a bundle of nerves about the dentist in general.

The first step to getting your child on the right track for a lifetime of healthy teeth is by ensuring they have a good pediatric dentist. If you’re reading this, you’ve already made this step! We Make Kids Smile is an excellent pediatric dentist located right here in Frederick, Maryland.

So what do we do to help babies stay calm during their appointment? We utilize the knee-to-knee method to help babies feel safe. This is a simple, comforting way to help infants feel completely safe and secure with the help of their parents!

What is the knee-to-knee method?

What exactly is the knee-to-knee method, and how does it work? When you come in for your baby’s first appointment, we will have you, the parent, sit facing the dentist. We’ll sit rather close with our knees touching, so be prepared. We will then have you hold your baby on your lap so they still feel like they are being snuggled by their parent.Then, we will have you gently recline their head into the dentist’s lap. This lets the dentist examine their mouth thoroughly, all while still feeling snuggled in their parent’s arms.

Why This Technique Works So Well

The knee-to-knee method is a fantastic way to help even the littlest patients feel safe and secure in the dental office. Why does it work so well? Being close to their parent helps keep infants comfortable and drastically reduces their anxiety. Because their parent is holding them, it also shows the child that the dentist is someone they can trust! For the dental visit itself, it makes it easier for the dentist to check the baby’s teeth, gums, and oral habits.

What Happens During the First Infant Dental Visit

If this is your first baby, or if it’s been a while since you’ve needed to take a baby to the dentist, you might be wondering what all is involved at the appointment. You might be surprised to learn that there’s more going on than it seems.

The dentist will perform a gentle examination of your baby’s mouth and all of those early teeth. Doing this will help them determine what teeth are coming in and at what angle. This can help you prepare for the next teething episode, but also ensure everything is developing as it should.

During the visit, you can expect the dentist to give you tips for teething care, brushing, and any other healthy habits. We mean it when we say we want you to ask any questions that come to mind! Is teething feeling endless and you’re not sure what to do? Ask for tips! Not sure if you’re brushing those tiny teeth properly? Again, bring it up! We’ll help you with any question you ask.

The Power of Early Experiences

When it comes to caring for a child’s teeth, you can’t underestimate the power of those early, positive dental experiences. These good experiences build on each other, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

We mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: It’s typically suggested for children to visit the dentist for the first time when they get their first tooth or when they turn one, whichever comes first! With the knee-to-knee method, we can keep your baby happy throughout the entire appointment.

Are you ready to start creating those positive dental experiences to set your child’s oral health journey off on the right foot? If so, reach out to We Make Kids Smile to make an appointment. Remember, we’re here for you every step of the way, whether it’s through the chaos of teething or other preventive dentistry as your child grows.