First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advocates that a child’s first dental visit should either be once the first tooth erupts or when the child is 12 months of age.  This visit will establish a dental home for your child and we encourage you to return regularly thereafter.  Early examination and preventive care will lay the groundwork to maintain your child’s smile and dental health now and into the future.

A critical component to this first visit is to begin a comprehensive prevention program.  Dental problems may begin early.  The primary condition we at Lone Tree Pediatric Dentistry strive to prevent for your child is Early Childhood Caries.  We help our patients avoid this condition by carefully explaining to the parents of our practice what causes it and steps they can take to prevent it for their children.  Specific instructions include frequency of breast milk and formula consumption, tips on brushing and flossing their child’s teeth, providing dietary recommendations and many more.  Establishing a dental home early in a child’s life better facilitates our ability to prevent this and other dental diseases.  Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

At the first visit we will present: 

• A home care regimen designed to prevent cavities.  Examples include recommendations for brushing, flossing, appropriate diet and many more
• A risk assessment to determine your child’s likelihood for developing cavities
• Information about prevention of Early Childhood Caries, which may be due to detrimental nursing habits or inappropriate use of sippy cups
• The most recent suggestions about finger, thumb, and pacifier habits: when these become a concern and steps to avoid their unfavorable consequences
• Suggestions to prevent injuries to the mouth and teeth
• Information on growth and development

It is critical that parents prepare their children accordingly for their first dental visit.  Dr. Nick suggests discussing what will happen during the first dental visit in an incredibly fun and positive light.  Explain to your child that the friendly team and Dr. Nick will greet both you and your child together and that you will remain with your child throughout the appointment.  After meeting their new friends, one of our team members will introduce the instruments and materials of the office in fun, kid-friendly terms.  Once your child is familiar with all of the instruments, we will “brush” and “count” his or her teeth.   Afterwards, your child will have an opportunity to visit our toy box!  It is also important that you explain to your child that you have chosen Lone Tree Pediatric Dentistry for his or her dental care because you trust Dr. Nick and his team.