Your Child's First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental appointment is a momentous occasion, and we’re excited to share it with you!

We know you have a lot of questions and concerns about your little one, and we are happy to answer them and get you and your child off to a great start for a lifetime of healthy teeth. At the Children's Center for Dentistry, we welcome and encourage parents to stay with their children throughout their first visit.

Planning Your First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever happens first. We agree with this recommendation. Getting a good start on early preventive care helps to decrease the risk of future dental problems.

What Happens at the First Visit?

Since your child is still very young, we understand that he or she probably has a limited ability to sit still and follow directions and won’t remember much of the visit later.

This first visit is an opportunity to present the dentist’s office as a normal, safe, fun place to be. One in seven adults are not getting the dental care they need because of fear related to the dental office. We think this is unfortunate and want to do everything we can to make the dentist office a positive and welcoming place.

We'll allow your child to explore and see some of the instruments we use up close. If you would like, we can provide a tour of the office. Your child will sit in our comfortable dental chairs – just like a big kid! – and if he or she will let us, we’ll perform a quick exam and cleaning, apply a fluoride varnish, and take any necessary x-rays or photographs.

Of course, if we spot a problem or you have a concern, we’ll address it right away and work together to create a treatment plan.

Parent Education

Teaching parents how to start and maintain great dental habits is an important part of your child’s first dental exam. Some of the things that we typically discuss at this appointment include:

Early brushing techniques including wiping gums with a damp cloth and using beginner toothbrushes and toothpastes
Tips and advice to help your child (and you!) get through teething
Your family’s food habits and foods to include and avoid for healthier teeth
Pacifier use, bottle use, and thumb sucking

Call 309-827-KIDS(5437) today to schedule your child’s first appointment at the Children's Center for Dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child have their first dental visit?

We follow the recommendation of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, both of which recommend that your first visit occur when your child's first baby tooth arrives or by their first birthday - whichever comes first.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. Greg Dietz DMD
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

A native of central Illinois, Dr. Greg graduated from Princeville High School before earning his Bachelors degree from the University of Illinois in 2003. He received his DMD in 2007 from Southern Illinois University School ...

Dr. Renee Dietz DMD

Dr. Renee is the newest addition to Children’s Center for Dentistry, but is certainly someone who is very familiar with our practice. She grew up in the small town of Nashville, IL, and graduated with ...