First Visit

Good Dental Health Starts At The Very Beginning
Teeth decay in children under five years old is one the most common chronic diseases among American children. Cavities can occur as soon as your baby has their first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that you begin brushing your baby’s teeth once a day, as soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges. It is also recommended that you schedule your baby’s first dental exam no later than your child’s first birthday.
Baby’s First Dental Visit
Good dental hygiene is essential from the very beginning. In 2015-2016, 21.4% of American children aged between two and five experienced tooth decay. Research indicates that the likelihood of tooth decay in children aged 2-5 years old increases every year that their parents delay scheduling their first visit to the dentist.
If you don’t properly care for your baby’s teeth, it can cause pain, infection, loss of teeth prematurely, and even impairment to overall health.
You can reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities by taking him or her to the dentist before he or she turns one. Read our article about the importance of dental visits for babies.
What Happens At Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment
Your baby’s very first visit to the dentist will be a memorable one.
- Examine your baby’s medical history.
- Check your baby’s teeth for signs of tooth decay and other dental problems.
- Learn how to clean a baby’s gums and teeth.
If you catch problems early and learn how to care for your baby’s teeth properly, it will help prevent painful tooth decay and periodontal diseases. The Pediatric Dental Studio aims to make every visit enjoyable and to maintain healthy teeth and gums for your child.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Your baby’s dental care will be provided by a pediatric dentist. This ensures that they are treated by a trained and qualified child-friendly dentist. After dental school, pediatric dentists go through a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists can receive training in areas like child psychology, child-related pharmacology, and advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures. They also learn about special needs dentistry and child sedation dentistry.
A certified pediatric dentist has successfully passed both the oral and writing exams of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. These exams demonstrate mastery of advanced pediatric dentistry skills.
WE OFFER SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS to help accommodate your busy schedule.
First Visit
Do You Have Any Questions?
This visit will serve as an introductory icebreaker to acquaint your child with Dr. Rose and The Pediatric Dental Studio. Patience and calmness in addition to reassuring communication from the parent is very important on all dental visits but especially during the first visits. Short, successive visits are designed to build the child’s trust in the dentist and the dental office, and it can prove to be invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problems.
The first visit often lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age/cooperation:
- A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
- If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar buildup, or stains
- Assessment for the need of X-rays
- A demonstration on proper home cleaning
- Assessment of the need for fluoride
Dr. Rose will answer any questions you may have and will do all that is possible to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team will provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child.