Once your little one has met our team and is comfortable in the office, we will perform a thorough, gentle cleaning. We’ll remove plaque and bacteria and polish each tooth before flossing out those hard-to-reach places.
We may recommend x-rays for your child, especially if they haven’t had them taken before. Digital x-rays are a safe and effective way for us to monitor your child’s developing smile, and can help us catch hidden oral health problems. We require approval from our patient’s parent or guardian before we take any x-ray images.
Your child’s dentist will visually inspect their teeth, gums, and x-rays (if they’ve had them taken) to ensure that their smile is free from cavities or decay. They will also ensure that your child’s mouth is developing correctly, and discuss their findings with you.
Once your child’s dentist has completed the exam, they will recommend further treatment options if necessary. Depending on the treatment, it may be able to be completed during the same visit, or could require scheduling a second appointment.
Whether your child is in need of restorative care, like a filling, or just a regular cleaning and checkup, we’ll help you get them scheduled for their next dental visit.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist once their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Starting dental care early has many benefits. First off, it allows your child to become familiar with seeing the dentist, so they are more comfortable with the process and less likely to develop dental anxiety as they grow up. Early visits with the same dentist also allow their doctor to develop familiarity with your child’s oral development, which can help them identify any potential issues early to minimize future issues. By establishing a dental home early on, you can set your child up for a healthy relationship with their oral health and help foster good habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
To prepare your little one for their dental appointment, it’s important to speak positively about the dentist, and about their oral health. If you have any dental anxiety, it is crucial that you don’t create a negative image of going to the dentist’s office. A good first impression can have lasting benefits for your child’s relationship with their oral health.
It may also be helpful to: