Your Child’s First Visit

Take advantage of our first tooth first visit offer. Children who have one tooth or are younger that 12 months of age get a free regular dental check-up!

When should I bring my child in for their first visit and what should I expect?

smiling girl at first dental visitThe new established American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that your child’s first dental check up be when your child’s first tooth erupts or by one year of age, whichever comes first. At this visit we will examine your child’s teeth and gums, evaluate growth and development, discuss diet, fluoride use and the best way to clean your child’s mouth, and sometimes take x-rays if needed This visit establishes a dental home for your child and sets your child up for a lifetime of dental health.

My regular dentist said they don’t want to see my child until they are 3 or 4, why?

Many general dentists say this because they aren’t able to perform an exam on a young child. As a pediatric dentist we are specially trained to be able to do an exam on infants and young children.

By age two 10% of all children have a cavity, by age four that increases to 40%. By beginning preventative visits early you can save your child a lifetime of dental problems.

What should I tell my child about their first visit to the dentist?

You can tell your child that the dentist is going to look in their mouth, count the number of teeth present, check their bite, clean their teeth with a spin toothbrush, give their teeth a vitamin shower, take pictures of their teeth, and give them a new tooth brush to take home.

If you as the parent have your own dental fears, it is better not to let the child know. Children can pick up on your anxiety and in turn will become anxious. Children model their behavior on their parents. It is better to present a positive outlook to your child towards dentistry. Never threaten your child that you will take them to the dentist if they don’t stop acting up.