Child's First Dental Visit | Kingstowne Dental Specialists

Pediatric Services

Dental Health for Life

It All Starts with a First Visit

At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, we focus on pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care, and we take an informative, patient-centered approach to every appointment. Kingstowne pediatric dentist Dr. Courtney communicates every step of the process in a way your child will understand and appreciate, and she makes every visit fun for children of all ages.

Baby brushing teeth with dentist present

What To Expect

During Your Child’s First Visit

The details of your child’s visit will depend on their age and stage of dental health. If your child is very young and does not yet have most of their baby teeth, Dr. Courtney will perform a comprehensive oral exam and clean any teeth that have erupted. Then, she’ll discuss your child’s oral development and health, and answer any questions you may have about caring for your child’s mouth. If your child is older and has most or all of their baby teeth, we’ll conduct a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, and we may also recommend x-rays, if necessary.

Booking Your Child’s First Visit

When to Schedule an Appointment

We recommend that you bring your child in for a visit with Dr. Courtney as soon as their first tooth erupts or when they turn 12 months old, whichever comes first. Seeing the dentist from a very young age helps your child get used to the process of a dental appointment and decreases the risk that they will develop dental anxiety in the future.

happy family by the shore jumping in joy

Protecting Your Child’s Oral Health

Why Fix Baby Teeth?

Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, issues like cavities in baby teeth should still be addressed. Baby teeth form the pathway through which the permanent teeth will erupt, and if your child loses a tooth due to decay, their oral development can be negatively impacted. If you think your child may have a cavity, we will treat any damage with gentle, minimally-invasive care to get little teeth back to health.

Finding a Dental Home

The Doctor/Patient Relationship

Seeing Dr. Courtney regularly from a young age will help our team become more familiar with your child and their unique dental needs. In turn, this leads to better overall care, the ability to track your child’s oral development over time, and a lower risk of dental anxiety in the future. We’re a relationship-based practice, and we treat every patient as a part of our own family.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment?

You want to ensure your child’s health is in top shape, and dental health is no exception. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended to schedule your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. This early visit is crucial in setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, Dr. Courtney Marzban, DMD, a pediatric dentist, is committed to creating a positive and welcoming environment for your child’s initial dental experience. Early visits allow us to detect any potential issues early on and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, ensuring your child’s teeth and gums develop healthily.

What happens during a child’s first visit to the dentist?

The first dental visit is designed to be a gentle and informative introduction to dental care. At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, we focus on making this experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible for both you and your child.

During the appointment, Dr. Courtney Marzban will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s mouth, checking for any signs of tooth decay, gum issues, or developmental concerns. This examination is often done with your child sitting on your lap to make them feel more secure. We’ll also perform a gentle cleaning to remove any plaque or stains and apply fluoride if necessary to protect those little teeth from cavities.

Our goal is to familiarize your child with the dental environment, introduce them to the dental chair, and help them feel comfortable with the process. This visit is as much about education as it is about examination, ensuring you receive all the information needed to maintain your child’s oral health at home.

How can I help my child feel comfortable before their first dental visit?

Preparing your child for their first dental visit can make all the difference in how they perceive dental care in the future. Start by talking positively about the dentist, explaining that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps keep their teeth strong and healthy. Reading books or watching videos about visiting the dentist can also be a great way to introduce the concept in a fun and engaging manner.

Role-playing can be another effective strategy; you can play the dentist and let your child be the patient, or vice versa, to familiarize them with what to expect. At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, we encourage parents to bring along a favorite toy or comfort item to help your child feel more at ease.

Remember, your own attitude towards dental visits can significantly influence your child’s perception, so stay positive and reassuring.

What topics will the dentist discuss with parents during the first appointment?

The first dental appointment is not only about examining your child’s teeth but also about equipping you with the knowledge to support their oral health journey. Dr. Courtney Marzban will discuss a variety of topics tailored to your child’s specific needs. These discussions often include guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations to prevent cavities, and tips for managing habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use.

We’ll also talk about what to expect as your child’s teeth continue to develop, including teething and the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Additionally, we’ll address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring you feel confident in caring for your child’s dental health. At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, we believe in building a partnership with parents to foster a lifetime of healthy smiles for their children.

Your Child's First dental Visit