Your First Visit
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In accordance with the published guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should have his/her first dental visit by 12 months of age.
This enables the dentist to evaluate potential problems related to your child’s oral health as well as to introduce you and your child to proper oral hygiene and diet.
With 10% of children having dental decay by two years of age and 40% by age four, it makes great sense to begin early and regular dental visits by one year of age.
The first dental appointment should be a very fun and exciting visit. You and your child will be introduced to our dental team and allowed to see the office and become comfortable before the examination.
If you choose, one parent may accompany the child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, however, other adults and children should remain in the waiting room.
At the first visit, a thorough exam will be completed which includes a review of your child’s medical and dental history.
Necessary and appropriate digital dental x-rays will be taken. In addition to evaluating the teeth and soft tissues of your child’s mouth, this comprehensive exam includes an evaluation of your
child’s facial growth and bite. As your child grows, we are able to recognize the need for early treatment or referral of orthodontic problems as they arise.
We will also evaluate your child’s oral hygiene and perform a professional cleaning with a preventive fluoride treatment. We will then determine your child’s immediate and long-term dental needs, discuss our findings, answer questions, and make treatment recommendations. Oral hygiene instructions will be reviewed, and topics such as diet, fluoride, and thumb/pacifier habits will be discussed. Our goal is to educate and motivate you and your child to develop a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
We strive to make the first dental visit a very pleasant and enjoyable experience for your child. Therefore it is very important to convey this message to your child. We understand that many children may be anxious about their first dental visit, so we encourage you and your child to come tour the office and meet our team prior to your child’s first appointment.