According to dental hygienist Melissa Schluer from Pleasant Valley, here’s what you can tell your kids to expect at their first dental visit:

 

• The hygienist will come out to the waiting room and call your name.
• Follow her to the room where you will see her chair and have a bib put on.
• She will wear a mask and gloves.
• She might take an x-ray. (Some offices take x-rays at any age. I often wait until I know the patient is mature enough to handle them. But sometimes if I see a questionable tooth, I recommend an x-ray. Don’t be too afraid of dental x-rays. They require minimal radiation these days, especially if the office you go to is digital.)
• She will use a bright light to see your teeth.
• She will count your teeth with a tooth explorer.
• She will tickle your teeth with either a toothbrush or a cool electric toothbrush that buzzes!
• You will get to rinse and spit in a little bowl!
• The doctor will come in and look at your teeth as well.
• You will get a brand new toothbrush!