Your Child's First Dental Visit in Newtown, PA: What to Expect

Your child's first trip to the dentist sets the tone for every visit after it. Parents in Newtown, PA ask us the same few questions: when should we come in, what actually happens, and how do we keep a little one from being scared? Here's what we tell them. Our youngest patient is two and our oldest is 102, so we've seen a lot of children grow up in our chair, and we'd love for your child's dental story to start on a happy note.

When should my child have their first dental visit?

Plan your child's first dental visit after the first tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. That's the guidance from the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy guide to a baby's first dental visit and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The reason is simple: cavities can start as soon as baby teeth appear.

Early visits matter more than many parents expect. According to the CDC, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. A first visit gives us a starting point and gives you simple ways to protect those new teeth at home.

And if your child is already past that first birthday and hasn't been yet, that's okay. You don't need to apologize. Just reach out, and we'll start from where your child is today.

What happens at a child's first dental visit?

A first visit is short, gentle and mostly about getting comfortable. With the youngest children, it often happens right in a parent's lap and is more of a conversation than a procedure. We take a look at what's going on and give you advice for caring for your child's teeth at home.

Here's what a first visit usually includes:

• A look at how your child's teeth, gums, jaw and bite are developing, and a check for early cavities
• Counting teeth, which most children don't mind at all
• A little toothbrush that might tickle, if your child is ready for it
• Time for your questions about brushing, snacks and daily habits
• A small treat, like stickers, to end on a good note

We play the first visit by ear. Young children have short attention spans, so we watch what your child can comfortably handle and know when to stop for the day. Crying or wiggling is normal at this age, and it doesn't mean the visit went badly. Dr. Bob is really good with kids. He likes to banter with them and tease them in a sweet way, and the goal is simple: when children come back, they remember the good parts.

How do I prepare my child for their first dentist appointment?

The most helpful thing you can do is say less. Well-meaning parents often reassure their kids with "it's not going to hurt," but all a child really hears is the word hurt. So we ask parents to skip that line and let us do the talking. We'll tell your child we're going to count their teeth and that the toothbrush might tickle.

A few other tips make the morning easier:

• Book a time when your child is usually rested and alert, not during naptime.
• Keep the talk at home short and upbeat. Treat the visit as a happy outing.
• If your child has an older brother or sister, bring them along. Younger siblings sometimes peek in on an older sibling's cleaning, and seeing it firsthand helps.
• Bring your own questions. No question is too small.

For a lot of people in older generations, going to the dentist wasn't a pleasant experience. We try to make it a pleasant one for the younger ones.

Can my whole family see the dentist at the same time?

Often, yes. We have two hygienists, so a parent can get a cleaning while one or two of the kids get theirs. Between school activities, sports and work, families have enough running around to do, and one trip beats juggling separate appointments.

Our team is here Monday through Thursday, and we're open until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which can help with after-school schedules. If your family doesn't have dental insurance, our Membership Club includes a Child Membership for kids 12 and under that covers preventive care like cleanings, exams and fluoride, with no annual maximums.

Why do Newtown parents choose Bucks County Dental for their kids?

Parents choose us because we keep early visits positive and because a checkup here looks at more than cavities. Dr. Bob and Marg Lantzy built this practice in 1988 knowing that dentistry had a fearful history for many people, so they designed the office to feel less like a dental practice and more like coming over to their house. For many years, our team also spent every February in local schools teaching children about dental health.

Your child's visit also covers how their mouth works, not just their teeth. Marcie, one of our registered dental hygienists, is also trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy, which works with the muscles of the mouth, tongue and face. If a child has been struggling with breathing, sleep, speech or posture, Marcie is often the first to notice. Dr. Bob might also spot how a child's tongue moves or rests during a regular checkup, and when he does, he'll talk it through with you. You can learn more on our family and children's dentistry page.

We've also had the joy of watching patients grow up in this office and come back with families of their own. When a family starts with us early, we get to know your kids by name and follow how their smiles change from one visit to the next.

Ready to book your child's first visit? Call our Newtown dental office at (215) 860-5901 or send us a message, and we'll help you find a time that works for your little one. You'll find us at 11 Friends Lane, Suite 100.

Published by Robert A. Lantzy, DMD (Bucks County Dental).