Your childs first dental visit is more than just a check-upits the beginning of a lifetime of positive dental habits. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we understand how important this first impression is. Thats why weve created a warm, welcoming, and child-friendly environment where young patients feel safe, curious, and even excited about oral health.
We dont just treat teethwe nurture trust, educate families, and set the foundation for a healthy dental future.
When Should Your Child Visit the Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends children see a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthdaywhichever comes first. Early visits help:
Detect developmental concerns
Monitor oral hygiene and cavity risks
Get kids comfortable with the dental environment
Support parents in learning proper cleaning techniques
We treat early dental care as prevention-focused, stress-free, and family-friendly.
What Happens Before the Appointment
We help parents prepare their child in advance by:
Offering tips on how to explain the visit in positive terms
Suggesting storybooks or videos about going to the dentist
Encouraging a tour of the clinic if your child is especially nervous
Allowing familiar items like stuffed animals or blankets during the visit
Our team is also available before your appointment to answer any parent questions and explain what to expect.
A Kid-Friendly Welcome on Arrival
When your family arrives at McLevin Dental, youll be greeted with smiles and patience. Our waiting area includes childrens books and quiet activities to help them feel at ease.
We schedule plenty of time for new pediatric patients so there’s no rushingjust gradual, respectful engagement. A team member will walk your child through whats going to happen in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Tell-Show-Do: A Gentle Introduction
Our pediatric-trained team uses the “Tell-Show-Do” method:
Tell We explain what were going to do in child-friendly language.
Show We demonstrate the tool or action on a model or the back of the childs hand.
Do We perform the action only once the child feels ready.
This method builds confidence, reduces fear, and keeps the visit playful rather than clinical.
Whats Included in the First Visit?
The first visit focuses on prevention and education, not treatment. It usually includes:
A visual exam of teeth and gums
Checking for teething issues, tongue ties, or bite alignment
Gentle polishing or cleaning if appropriate
Fluoride application (based on risk factors)
Parent coaching on brushing, feeding habits, and thumb-sucking concerns
We also discuss milestones like the timing of future dental development and when to expect the next teeth to erupt.
A Positive Experience That Builds Trust
We never force procedures. If a child is uncomfortable, we adjust our approach or reschedule to maintain trust. The goal is to associate the dental visit with warmth, praise, and kindnessnot stress or fear.
We celebrate bravery with gentle encouragement and small prizes, making your child feel proud of their accomplishment.
Supporting Parents Every Step of the Way
Your role is essential, and were here to support you. We guide parents on:
How to clean baby teeth properly
When to start flossing
Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste
Managing sippy cup use and sugar exposure
Monitoring habits like pacifier use or nighttime nursing
We equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to keep your childs smile healthy at home.
Creating Lifelong Comfort With Dental Care
Early dental experiences shape how children feel about oral health for life. Our team is specially trained to:
Recognize dental anxiety in kids
Speak in soothing, reassuring tones
Celebrate small wins (even just sitting in the chair)
Gradually build confidence over successive visits
For nervous children, we offer behavior-guided techniques and desensitization strategies that gently increase comfort over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if my child wont sit still?
Thats okay. We keep things light, flexible, and pressure-free. Our team knows how to work at your childs pace.
Q: Do baby teeth really need dental care if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth are critical for chewing, speech, and guiding adult teeth. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to infections and pain.
Q: Should I brush my babys teeth even if they only have one or two?
Yes. Start as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft brush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Q: Will my child get X-rays at their first visit?
Not usually. We take X-rays only if there’s a suspected problem or if decay risk is high, and we use child-safe, low-radiation digital imaging.
Q: How often should my child visit the dentist?
Typically every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits for high-risk cases or children with early signs of decay.