Your Child’s First Dental Visit

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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we recommend scheduling your child’s first regular dental visit around their third birthday. The first visit is typically brief and designed to help your child feel comfortable. You may be invited to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination, or we may ask you to wait nearby to allow your child to build trust with the dentist.

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During this visit, we will gently check your child’s teeth and gums. If necessary, we may take x-rays to check for cavities and monitor the development of permanent teeth beneath the gums. A gentle cleaning and fluoride application may also be done to help protect your child’s teeth. We will also review proper brushing techniques and ensure your child is receiving enough fluoride at home.

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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

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Parents often ask us how to set expectations for their child’s first dental experience. We recommend treating it like you would their first haircut or shoe-shopping trip — keep it simple and positive. Children often respond better than expected when given calm encouragement.

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At the first visit, the dentist will:

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• Examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums

• Discuss habits such as thumb-sucking if present

• Evaluate the need for fluoride supplementation

• Teach both you and your child how to properly care for their teeth

• Recommend a schedule for future dental visits

 

Tips for a Successful First Visit

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• Bring your child for a casual "preview" visit to see the office

• Read children’s books about going to the dentist

• Explain in simple terms what to expect at the appointment

• Share positive stories about your own dental visits

 

The Importance of Preventative Care

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Tooth decay no longer has to be a part of growing up. At Bridgewater Dental Center, we prioritize preventative care from the very first visit. One of the best tools we use is dental sealants — a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities. With the right preventive measures, we can set your child up for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles.

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Cavity Prevention for Children

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Cavities are often caused by a diet high in sugars combined with insufficient brushing. Limiting sugar intake and encouraging regular brushing and flossing are critical steps. When sugary foods linger on teeth, they fuel acid-producing bacteria that erode tooth enamel and cause decay.

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Each time your child eats, an acid attack occurs in the mouth that can last about 20 minutes. Frequent snacking or high-sugar diets can increase the risk. Saliva consistency also matters — thinner saliva helps wash away food particles faster, while thicker saliva from high-carb diets allows harmful bacteria to thrive.

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Tips to Help Prevent Cavities

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• Limit how often your child eats snacks and meals throughout the day

• Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing after eating

• Monitor beverage choices — minimize sugary drinks

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods that cling to teeth

• Offer treats during meals instead of separately

• Choose healthy, tooth-friendly snacks whenever possible

 

Your Child’s Tooth Development Timeline

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The first baby teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, typically between 6–8 months of age. These are followed by the four upper front teeth. Over time, the rest of the baby teeth will erupt, usually in pairs along the jaw, until all 20 primary teeth have emerged by around 2½ years old.

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Around ages 5 to 6, the first permanent teeth begin to come in. Some permanent teeth replace baby teeth, while others erupt in new areas. It's normal for timing to vary slightly from child to child.

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Baby teeth are essential for chewing, speaking, and guiding the proper alignment of permanent teeth. Keeping them healthy through good nutrition and daily oral care is vital.

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If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first dental visit, please contact Bridgewater Dental Center — we look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child start their dental journey with confidence!