Pediatric Dentistry

Your child’s first visit

The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s first birthday.  The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment.  We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination.

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What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store.  Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Here are some “First Visit” tips:

  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

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During your first visit the dentist will:

  • Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
  • Check to see if you need fluoride.
  • Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
  • Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

Tips for cavity prevention

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
  • Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
  • Watch what your child drinks.
  • Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
  • Make treats part of meals.
  • Choose nutritious snacks.

Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance.  For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.