First Dental Visit: What to Expect

At some point during your baby’s first year will come their first dental visit! This is an exciting milestone for both babies and parents alike–it represents a major step in your child’s development. At Smile Out Loud, our goal is to create a welcoming and friendly environment for our young patients. Here’s what you can expect during your child's first visit:

Warm Welcome

When you arrive, our friendly staff will greet you and your child to assist you with our check-in process. 

Kid-Friendly Environment

Our office is designed with children in mind–think colorful decorations, cheerful art, books, and of course, toys for after their visit. We want to make sure kids know our office is a fun place to be!

Initial Assessment

Your baby’s first visit will include a comprehensive assessment of their dental and overall oral health. This will usually involve:

• A discussion with parents regarding your baby’s medical history.

• A gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums.

• Looking for early signs of future issues such as malalignment, thumb-sucking, or bite problems.

X-Rays (if necessary)

This will depend primarily on the age of your child–for babies and children under three, this is very uncommon. When safe and necessary, X-rays will allow dentists to get a better view of your child’s teeth and overall jaw structure.

Guidance for Parents

During the course of your child’s first visit, we will walk you through everything and take the time to educate you, as parents, on the best ways to support your child’s dental health–for today and the future. This includes:

• Brushing techniques for babies and young children.

• Addressing dietary concerns that impact dental health.

• Tips for preventing cavities and other common dental issues.

Future Appointments

As your visit comes to an end, we will take some time to discuss the importance of regular dental check-ups and schedule your child’s first follow-up appointment.

We encourage parents to ask questions and express any concerns while in our office. Nothing is more important to us than providing a seamless, stress-free experience for you and your child so we can set them up for a life of strong dental health. 

Click Here to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit at Our Gramercy Office