Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventative and routine oral health care. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home for your child 6 months after the first eruption of teeth or no later than 1 year of age. The pediatric dentist at your dental home will be able to assist you and your child in the quest for optimum oral health care through successful preventative care and treatment. 

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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child see a dentist on or after his first birthday. Most pediatric visits in the first year have been accompanied by an immunization or shot, so your child may be apprehensive about seeing a dentist for the first time. Creating positive experiences early on helps your child develop good dental habits down the road.

To help your child prepare for their first visit to the dentist, try the following approaches.

• Get your child used to dental care by regularly cleaning your child's teeth using a soft bristled brush to remove plaque and stimulate the gums. If you are not doing this, begin using mild toothpaste specifically designed for toddlers or young children.
  
  
• Start preparing your one year old by taking time every day to look inside his mouth. Talk about his teeth and count the ones that have come in already. Make this a fun time by using a mirror and showing him how sparkly his teeth are after they are cleaned.

• Purchase a couple of books about dentist visits for a child between the ages of two to three years old. Many of the popular cartoon characters have book series or videos that address the developmental milestones a child will encounter. Visit our tooth library!
  
  
• Take time to talk about these treatments with your child so they always know what to expect. Routine check-ups are scheduled every six months to maintain proper dental health.

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!