A child’s first trip to the dentist is a milestone — and it can shape how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. With a little preparation, it can be a positive, even fun, experience.
When should my child first see a dentist?
General guidance from pediatric dental experts is to schedule a first visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits are usually short and gentle — they’re as much about familiarity and prevention as anything else.
What to expect at the first appointment
- A gentle look at your child’s teeth, gums, and bite
- A cleaning if appropriate, and a check for early decay
- Guidance on brushing, fluoride, thumb-sucking, and diet
- Plenty of time for your questions as a parent
How to prepare your child
- Talk about the visit positively — avoid words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill”
- Read a fun picture book about visiting the dentist
- Schedule for a time when your child is well-rested, not hungry or cranky
- Bring a comfort item and let them ask questions
A gentle approach makes the difference
Dr. Skiba’s experience spans both pediatric and adult dentistry, and our team is well-practiced at putting young patients at ease. The goal of that first visit isn’t just a clean set of teeth — it’s a child who learns the dentist is a friendly, safe place to be.
Serving families in Jonesboro, Riverdale, Morrow, Forest Park, Stockbridge, and Lovejoy, we’d be honored to be part of your child’s healthy-smile journey.
Serving families across the area
Highmark Dental Care welcomes patients from Jonesboro and nearby communities: