Welcome to Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry! As a parent or guardian, you’ll get to witness so many firsts and so many exciting milestones. Those first smiles, first giggles, first teeth, first steps, and even first visits to the dentist! So, when should you schedule your child’s first dental visit, and what should you expect?

When Should You Schedule a Child’s First Dental Exam?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first dental exam should take place when the first tooth appears or before the first birthday. Starting dental exams right from the start allows us to identify dental issues that may arise as your child grows. It’s also important to establish a daily oral hygiene routine early on to keep dental disease at bay.

What Happens During an Infant/Toddler’s First Dental Visit?

At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, our team loves kids! From the moment you step into our child-friendly office, we want you and your little one to be comfortable and happy. Our pediatric dentists and our entire team will do everything possible to make sure your child’s first visit and every subsequent visit are pleasant.

During your baby’s first appointment, we’ll start by asking you about your child’s medical history and if you have any concerns. We’ll examine your baby’s teeth and mouth to rule out tooth decay or any other problems. We’ll also demonstrate the best way to clean your baby or toddler’s mouth to lay the groundwork for long-term oral health.

What Happens During Children’s New Patient Visits?

Thank you for choosing Smile Explorers to care for your child’s oral health. Our dental team is committed to ensuring our young patients feel comfortable during every visit. If your child is especially fearful of visiting the dentist, please let us know. We’ll do everything we can to gain their trust and alleviate any fear or anxiety.

During the first visit to our office, we’ll start by reviewing your child’s dental and health history and ask you if you have any concerns. We’ll examine your child’s teeth, gums, head, and neck to rule out any tooth decay, gum disease, or abnormalities. If needed, we’ll take digital dental x-rays to get a closer look at specific concerns.

Our dental hygienist will clean your child’s teeth to remove any plaque or tartar deposits and leave those pearly whites squeaky clean and fresh. We’ll also demonstrate correct oral hygiene practices at home, including proper brushing and flossing. If needed, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your child’s teeth to lower the risk of dental decay.

After your child’s dental exam and cleaning, we will discuss our findings with you. We will outline any preventive or restorative procedures needed, such as dental sealants or fillings, to ensure your child maintains a healthy smile for years to come. 

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Glendale, AZ

Visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s first dental appointment. Our team looks forward to partnering with you in caring for your child’s oral health. You can always trust us for outstanding, gentle care! Call us and schedule your appointment today!