First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend that children receive their first dental check-up by the age of 1. These first visits are an introduction to a dental setting to help your child begin to get comfortable and also allow us to observe any dental changes from an early age. During the visit, we will get to know your child and help them feel at ease through the use of age-appropriate language and engaging toys and models that explain how the dentist helps keep their smile healthy.

We encourage parents to accompany their children during their visit. This provides an opportunity to see us working with your child and allows us to discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with you. At your child’s first visit, we will review your child’s medical/dental health history with you, perform a thorough head and neck examination, and evaluate your child’s teeth and gums. Digital radiographs (x-rays) are taken only if necessary.

We look forward to meeting you and your child for your first appointment!

We want your child's first visit to our dental office to be friendly and educational, helping make both you and your child feel more comfortable during future visits. We have found that informing your child about their first dental visit can help set the stage for a positive dental experience. We encourage parents to accompany their children during their first visit so that they can see us working with their child and can discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with our team.

During this visit, we will get to know your child and help them feel comfortable in the office by explaining what will happen during the visit and showing them the tools we will use to help keep their smile healthy. We will also discuss your child’s medical/dental health history, evaluate your child’s teeth and gums, and review proper dental hygiene instructions. If no treatment is needed, the teeth will be cleaned, and a fluoride treatment will be provided.

We look forward to meeting you and your child for your first appointment!

Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are shed, but they are still very important for a number of reasons. Children need strong, healthy baby teeth in order to chew food properly, pronounce words correctly, and maintain space in the jaw for permanent teeth. That is why it is important to take good care of the primary teeth by keeping them clean and healthy.

Even before the first tooth erupts, your child’s gums should be wiped gently with a wet cloth or gauze after every feeding. At the appearance of the first tooth, begin brushing your child’s teeth with water. Children older than 2 years should be supervised during brushing to ensure that only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is used and that the toothpaste is spit out rather than swallowed, and they rinse with water afterward.

Primary teeth, if not kept clean and healthy, can develop decay. This decay can lead to infection, which can damage permanent teeth. Tooth decay in infants and young children occurs when the teeth undergo frequent and extended exposure to liquids containing sugar. To keep your child’s teeth cavity free and avoid oral pain, do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Milk, formula, and juice, when given to a child right before they fall asleep, can remain on the teeth and in the mouth and cause tooth decay. If your child needs a pacifier between feedings or at bedtime, give them a clean pacifier. Do not give your child a pacifier dipped in honey or sugar.

For your information and your child’s safety, DPD regularly tests the water at EVERY exam table to assure uncontaminated water for your child.