A Lifetime of Happy Smiles Begins with a Strong Foundation
Provide your children with a strong foundation for developing excellent oral hygiene habits, and keep a watchful eye on their journey toward their radiant smiles. We recognize the unique challenges and rewards of family care, especially when it comes to children. A healthy smile plays a vital role in childhood, so let’s set them on the right course with personalized guidance tailored to their specific needs.
Getting Ready For Your First Appointment
You’re welcome to have an open conversation with your child about their upcoming dentist visit. The primary goal of their first visit is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience while establishing a positive rapport with the dentist. Sometimes, a lack of awareness about what to expect can lead to slight nervousness.
Here’s what your child can anticipate during their inaugural appointment:
Talk and Listen
We’ll have a discussion with both you and your child, providing clear explanations about our procedures and the reasons behind them. We’ll also introduce your child to some of the dental tools we use. Our communication is tailored to be kid-friendly, ensuring that we clarify any unfamiliar terms so your child can feel at ease and confident. You’ll see, we’re not as intimidating as it may seem!
Gently Examine
We will gently examine your child’s gums, tongue, teeth and overall health. Our exam will uncover any areas of concern or tricky spots that may need some extra attention at home. We will provide you with personalized guidance and make a note to pay special attention to those spots during the next appointment.
Educate
We may request that your child demonstrate their tooth-brushing routine, after which we’ll provide gentle guidance on enhancing their at-home brushing technique. We’re more than happy to address any questions that you or your child may have regarding dental health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally recommended that a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts. Early dental visits help establish a positive dental care routine and allow the dentist to monitor oral development and address any concerns.
Yes, children can and should receive teeth cleanings as part of their regular dental care. Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease. The timing and frequency of cleanings may vary based on the child’s age and oral health needs, as determined by the dentist.
Children should see a dentist regularly for routine check-ups and preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends dental visits every six months for most children. However, the specific schedule may vary depending on the child’s age, dental health, and any specific concerns identified by the dentist. Early dental visits, as mentioned in the first question, are essential to start oral care at an early age and address any emerging issues.
It’s beneficial to prepare your child for their first dental appointment by talking to them in a positive and reassuring manner. You can describe what will happen during the visit in simple terms and read children’s books about visiting the dentist to help alleviate any anxiety.
When taking your child to their first dental appointment, be sure to bring their insurance information, if applicable, any relevant medical history, and a list of any medications they may be taking. Additionally, bringing comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket can help your child feel more at ease during the visit.