What Should I Expect On My Child’s First Dental Exam?

Welcome to Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos! We are so happy you chose our practice to care for your child’s smile. Our exceptional pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are committed to ensuring our young patients have a stellar experience every time they walk through our doors. We look forward to working alongside you to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The Importance of Caring for Baby Teeth

Baby teeth matter. Preventing cavities in your child’s baby teeth helps reduce the risk of infections that can damage their adult teeth. It also helps lower the chances of developing cavities in the adult teeth. Your little one’s tiny chompers play an important role in speech development and help your child chew without pain, allowing for proper nutrition. They act like placeholders for the permanent teeth developing behind the scenes, helping them grow in the correct positions.

If a baby tooth has a cavity that leads to infection, it can negatively affect your little one’s oral health and lead to many future dental problems. Taking care of your child’s teeth right from the start will set the stage for long-term healthy smiles.

When Should You Schedule Your Little One’s First Dental Exam?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child’s first dental visit should occur as soon as the first tooth emerges and no later than the first birthday. Following the initial visit, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are typically recommended every six months, although the frequency may vary based on your child’s specific needs.

What Happens During a Child’s First Dental Exam?

Our new patient exams are typically quick and straightforward. We’ll start with a tour, so you and your little one can get comfortable with our staff and our office. If there’s anything we can do to make your baby or toddler’s first dental visit more comfortable, please let us know.

After greeting your little one, we will review their medical history and go over any specific concerns you may have. The doctors will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health, including their teeth, gums, bite, and dental development. We will also discuss your child’s nutrition and evaluate any oral habits, including thumb sucking, pacifier use, or teeth grinding, to ensure their smile stays healthy and sound.

Depending on your child’s age and specific needs, we may recommend taking digital x-rays to uncover any problems we can’t see during a physical examination. Most children develop cavities between their teeth, which are only visible by x-ray examination. We may also recommend a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our team loves to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home.

What Happens Next?

The doctors will go over any recommendations needed to address current problems and prevent future ones. We have trained our exceptional front staff to go the extra mile and look into your specific insurance benefits before you arrive. If your child needs any dental treatment, we will provide you with an estimate of your benefits based on the insurance information you’ve provided. During the upcoming visits, we will monitor your child’s oral development and provide preventive care as necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos is always happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. We want your child’s first visit and every following one to be fun and educational for you and your child. Dr. Greg Allen and Dr. Nadia Bala are a husband and wife team of board-certified pediatric dental specialists. We are happy to provide the highest quality care for your family and look forward to establishing long-term dental care for your children.

Quality Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos looks forward to welcoming you and your child into our family. We love caring for young smiles and are committed to delivering outstanding care in a safe, warm, and happy environment. We look forward to getting to know you and helping get your child’s oral health off to a great start. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child’s appointment, or request one online today!