What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Happy child in dentist’s chair Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can feel like a big milestone – one that might come with a little anxiety for both of you. 

At Drs of Smiles, Dr. Glenn LeSueur and our team in Mesa, Arizona, want to make those early dental visits a stress-free experience. With years of experience in family and pediatric dentistry, Dr. LeSueur understands how to help children feel comfortable at the dentist. 

We know that a child’s first dental appointment sets the tone for how they feel about dental care in the future, so we take extra steps to keep things easy and even fun.

What Happens at a Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Experts recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit around 12 to 18 months old or within six months of their first tooth coming in. 

This visit is really about introducing your child to a new experience in a positive way. 

Here’s what you can expect from the first appointment:

  • A gentle examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw to check their development.
  • A discussion about teething, thumb-sucking, and early cavity prevention.
  • Tips for daily brushing and flossing at home.

We understand that new experiences can be overwhelming, so we go at your child’s pace. If they feel nervous, we reassure them and let them explore the space to help them feel comfortable.

How We Help Ease Dental Anxiety

Fear of the dentist often starts in childhood, but a positive first experience can prevent them from feeling long-term dentist anxiety. At Drs of Smiles, we offer:

  • A kid-friendly environment, including a playroom in the waiting area.
  • Movies and music to keep little ones entertained during their visit.
  • Gentle care from a team that knows how to work with children.
  • Sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) if needed for extra comfort.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment in Mesa, AZ

At Drs of Smiles, we want your child’s first dental visit to go as smoothly as possible. If it’s time for your little one to see the dentist, call us at 480-834-6991 to schedule their appointment in Mesa.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment

* All indicated fields must be completed. Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Drs of Smiles

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top