Child's First Visit
Start early for lifelong dental health
CREATE POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS WITH DENTISTRY
Starting dental visits early helps toddlers establish a positive relationship with dental care. And those early experiences set the stage for how your child may feel about dental visits all the way into adulthood. By starting early, we can help prevent dental issues and lay the foundation for good oral health habits in the future. Everything we do is to make your child more at ease and comfortable during their visit. As the parent, you know your child best, and we empower you with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions about their dental care.
Our Approach to a Child's First Visit
TELL-SHOW-DO TECHNIQUE
Our bilingual team uses a tell-show-do technique for any dental treatment to educate both the child and their parents about what to expect. This approach helps reduce anxiety and makes the experience more understandable and comfortable for young children. For example, we use a little alligator toy to demonstrate how we perform dental cleanings, making the process fun and relatable.
When to Schedule Your Child's First Visit
WHAT TO EXPECT
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears. Early visits allow us to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and gums and provide oral care guidance.
During the first visit, we focus on making the experience positive and educational. Your child can remain on your lap, and we complete an evaluation using a knee-to-knee approach. This method helps toddlers feel secure and supported. A gentle cleaning is also included in this visit to introduce your child to the dental cleaning process. We’ll explain in child-friendly language why cleaning the teeth is important so your child will be engaged and have fun throughout their appointment.
Our Children's Dental Care Services:
BUILD COMFORT & TRUST
CREATE POSITIVE EXPERIENCES
EDUCATE PARENTS & CHILDREN
Starting Dental Care After Age 2
“LATE STARTERS” ARE NEVER TOO LATE
If your child is over the age of 2 and hasn’t seen a dentist yet, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start. At the first visit with an older child, we take a friendly and thoughtful approach to meet the child where they are in terms of their comfort level. Our goal is to make them feel at ease and build trust so that they will look forward to dental appointments.
Radiographs
WHEN THEY’RE AGE-APPROPRIATE
At Dentistry for Children, we typically take radiographs (X-rays) starting at age 4. This does, however, depend on the child’s specific needs and current oral health status. Radiographs help us detect any issues that aren’t visible during a regular evaluation, such as cavities between teeth or developmental concerns.
Special Care for Infants and Toddlers
UNDERSTANDING AND MEETING THEIR NEEDS
We understand that infants and toddlers have unique needs when it comes to dental care. Our team is skilled in assessing how best to meet these needs so they have a great experience at each appointment. Whether it’s a gentle cleaning for an infant or a more thorough evaluation for an older toddler, we are committed to providing the best care for your child at every stage.
Preparing for the First Visit
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Preparing your child for their first dental visit can help make the experience more positive. Here are some tips:
Try role-playing.
Practice a dental visit at home, taking turns with your child to play the roles of the dentist and the patient.
Read books.
Read books together about their favorite characters visiting the dentist. This familiarizes them with the concept so that dental appointments seem less intimidating.
Watch videos.
Find videos of their favorite characters, such as CoComelon or Daniel Tiger, visiting the dentist. Watching these clips provides great visuals and is a fun way to learn about dental visits.
At-Home Care
PREVENT TOOTH DECAY AND PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
Engaging your child in their dental hygiene routine is a great way to help them maintain optimal oral health. Here are some tips:
Brush together.
Make brushing a family activity. Let your child see you brushing your teeth, and do it together to make it fun.
Use fun tools.
Choose toothbrushes and toothpaste that feature your child’s favorite characters to make brushing more exciting. Let your child choose the color or character themselves so they feel more engaged in the process.
Set a routine.
Establish a consistent brushing and flossing routine. Doing it at the same times each day helps make it a habit.
Encourage healthy eating.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage a balanced diet to help keep your toddler’s teeth healthy.
Afford your care - even those unexpected dental procedures!
Whether you have insurance or not, at Dentistry for Children, we offer a range of payment methods to help families afford their dental care.
We accept cash, major credit cards, and checks.
We also accept CareCredit, which offers flexible monthly payments, with zero interest for six or 12 months.
If you have dental insurance, our team can help you navigate your insurance benefits so you can determine your out-of-pocket costs and deductibles.