At Gonzales Dental, we know that a first visit to the dentist can be a little scary. That’s why we do everything possible to ensure both you and your child are comfortable, from the moment you walk in the door. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have regarding your child’s first visit or continued dental care; our team is happy to provide answers and address any concerns you may have.

While every visit is different, here’s a general idea of what you can expect with your child’s first trip to the dentist: 

• Our dentists will conduct a through and gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums. This is the main purpose of this first visit: to assess your child’s current oral health and identify any issues of potential concern. 
• In some cases, we may conduct x-rays to check the health and progress of your child’s permanent teeth, located under his or her gums. X-rays can also be used to detect possible tooth decay. 
• Depending on your child’s age, as well as other factors, the first visit may also include a routine teeth cleaning. During this cleaning, our dental hygienists and/or dentists may apply topical fluoride to your child’s teeth. 
• In some circumstances, we may ask that you sit with your child in the dentist’s chair to help keep them calm and still during the exam. In other instances, we may request that you wait in our reception area so that your child can build trust with our dental team.
• Following the examination and/or teeth cleaning, our dental hygienists and dentists will go over the results of your child’s exam with you, explaining their findings and providing any recommendations they may have. 
   
• The first visit is also a great time for you to ask questions about your child’s at-home oral hygiene and health care. Our dental professionals can provide personalized information regarding proper brushing and flossing, fluoride treatment, cavity prevention, and more.

We recommend that you help your child get ready for his or her first trip to the dentist in the same way that you would help him or her prepare for a first haircut. This might involve telling them about your positive experiences with the dentist, reading books about going to the dentist with your child, telling them what the dentist will do when he or she arrives, and/or taking your child in for a “preview” of the dentist’s office so that he or she will be familiar and comfortable with the setting. 

How to Prevent Cavities 

Every time we consume food or beverages, existing bacteria in the mouth react with acid as they work to break down the sugars present in those foods and beverages. During this process, which usually takes about 20 minutes, these acids can cause damage to the teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities. 

Cavities are generally the biggest concern when it comes to child dentistry and oral health. At Gonzales Dental, we focus on preventative care to help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy. 

Here are some tips for preventing cavities that you can instill in your child (and follow yourself!): 

• Always brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day
• When brushing, flossing, and rinsing teeth, be sure to utilize dentist-recommended practices
• If possible, always brush teeth and floss after eating treats or sugary snacks 
• Limit the frequency of meals, snacks, and treats
• As much as possible, choose nutritious snacks and meals without added sugars
• Limit sticky foods, candy, and sugary beverages 

The longer it takes your child to chew his or her food, the more time acid residue stays on the teeth. Additionally, thicker saliva—often a result of diets high in sugar and carbohydrates—has a tougher time breaking up and removing food from the mouth. Both of these factors increase the risk of cavities, but both can be counteracted with good dietary and oral hygiene habits.