Your Child's First Visit
Establishing a warm and welcoming dental home for your child is crucial in helping them feel comfortable in the dental office. During your child’s first dental visit, our caring pediatric dentists will take the time to get to know them, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have. To reserve a first dental appointment for your child, please call or text us at (210)696-2563.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a pediatric dentist to receive an initial dental exam within six months of when their first tooth erupts. These first visits to the dentist are designed to establish a dental home and routine and help your child begin developing positive associations with visiting the dentist.
A typical pediatric dental appointment will include the following:
- The dental office staff will greet you and your child at our check-in area. Our check-in area is designed specifically for the interests of our patients in mind with toys, arcade games, and a movie area.
- One of our fully trained registered dental assistants will call you back for your appointment. We will review the health history of your child and family, along with any questions or concerns you may have.
- The dentist will ask about your child’s oral habits, pacifier use, diet, and general development.
- We will perform a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums, during which we will note any teeth that may appear in coming months.
- Our doctor and team will provide advice on brushing, flossing, how to prevent oral injury, fluoride intake, and other topics to help you keep your child’s mouth healthy at home.
- We will provide a description of your child’s current oral health in detail, and make any needed recommendations about oral habits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, diet, and pacifiers.
- A schedule of regular appointments will be created by our team for your child.
Remember, if you are calm, your child will feel calm. You can help your child feel more comfortable and happier in the dental office by being positive and calm yourself. You can encourage your child to develop positive associations with visiting the dentist by avoiding threatening language and providing positive explanations about what will happen during the appointment.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s first dental appointment, please feel free to contact our office.