Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday.  Approach your child's first visit to our office in a positive manner.  Tell your child the dentist is going to count his/her teeth and clean them with his special toothbrush. Don't go into a lot of detail because that is what we are here for.  Many times parents have inner fears of their own and unintentionally these fears can be transferred to the young child.

Your child's first visit will begin to form feelings toward dentistry in general; therefore we feel it is very important to make this a pleasant experience.  A qualified dental assistant will review your child's medical, dental and family health history.  This time will also allow you the opportunity to make us aware of any particular problems you may be concerned about.

You and your child will then go to the dental chair where your child will receive a toothbrush and correct brushing instructions will be explained.  A thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment will be administered and x-rays will be discussed, if needed.  The exam includes an oral cancer screening, periodontal (gum) and orthodontic evaluation as well as a cavity examination.

Some children will need to return for operative procedures.  It is best that actual dental work be done on young children in the morning when they are fresh.  For the most part, children make excellent dental patients and generally cooperate best when parents are not present.  We explain everything in detail so that he/she can understand what we are going to do to reduce fears and anxieties.

In discussing dentistry with your child, PLEASE DO NOT use words "needle", "drills", "pull", "hurt", or any word having an unpleasant meaning.  Please give us the chance to make a good dental patient of your child.  Every effort will be made to make the dental experience a pleasant one.  

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