Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry follows the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation which advocates that children receive their first dental visit by their first birthday. Unfortunately, we see too many children with severe dental decay by the time they reach their third birthday. By starting preventative oral health practices early, you can ensure your child is on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What to Expect
We will start the appointment by reviewing your child’s health history and discussing any special needs or concerns you may have. A Risk Assessment analysis will be done to help determine your child’s susceptibility to developing cavities. We will then carefully examine your child’s dental health, growth and development, followed by a cleaning and topical fluoride application to help protect the teeth from decay. X-rays, if necessary, may also be taken at this time.
If your child is an infant, we will be discussing topics such as bottle feeding, bottle weaning, nursing, pacifier sucking, thumb sucking habits, diet, and oral hygiene. Be sure to bring your questions! We will also demonstrate proper brushing and cleaning of your baby’s gums and teeth.
If your child is able and willing, we will spend quality, personalized time with them to instruct them in age-appropriate oral hygiene. Of course, a visit to our office is not complete without a special trip to the “treasure chest!”
It is not unusual for young children to cry during this visit. Crying is a natural reaction to anxiety, which may be increased as a result of new experiences, people and places. Please do not let your child’s tears upset you, we are experienced in this and will do our best to alleviate your child’s fears.
You will receive a summary of your child’s oral health and future dental needs. We will also review and discuss any risk factors that may increase your child’s susceptibility to oral disease.
Children who first visit the dentist at an early age and continue with regular check-ups every 6 months become much more familiar and comfortable within the dental setting. This helps to create a firm foundation of positive dental experiences for your child and will increase their comfort level within the dental setting should any dental work be needed in the future.
Helpful tips to make your child's visit a positive experience:
- Be relaxed and positive about the visit. Any fears or anxiety on your part will be sensed by your child.
- Allow your child's first dental visit to be quick and simple. If your child requires dental work, we will happily arrange a return visit to complete any necessary treatment.
- Discuss the appointment with your child, using comfortable words by telling them we will "count," "clean," and "take pictures" of their teeth. Avoid using words such as "hurt," "pain," shot" or "needle."
- Read child friendly books about visiting the dentist (e.g. "Dora's First Visit to the Dentist")
- Don't bribe your child into going to the dentist
- Don't use a dental visit as a punishment
- Try to avoid older siblings telling your child scary stories about the dentist.
New Patient Forms:
For your convenience, please access our new patient forms online. Please complete and bring the Registration and Health History forms with you when you come to our office for your child’s first appointment.
Click here to download the Smiles for Kids Medical/Dental History form
Click here to download the Smiles for Kids Family Registration form
Click here to download the Smiles for Kids HIPAA Consent Information
Click here to download the Smiles for Kids HIPAA Form