First Visit
Develop a Positive Relationship
Your child’s first visit should take place when their first tooth appears or by age one—whichever comes first. This appointment is mostly for parents to learn what causes cavities and how to prevent them.
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Please keep in mind that many children may cry during this appointment, and full cooperation is not expected—even if they tolerate brushing at home.
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Our pediatric dentist and team will examine your child’s teeth and provide anticipatory guidance—which means we’ll talk to you about fluoride, tooth eruption, and how to care for your child’s teeth.
We’ll also discuss brushing, flossing, and our recommendations for eating on a schedule. We advise against snacks from bags or boxes, including teething crackers and gummies. If you choose to offer snacks, select single-ingredient foods instead.
Preparing for Your Child's First Dental Visit
A common question Dr. Marvin receives is: “When should I bring my baby in for their first dental appointment?” Some parents also wonder why baby teeth are important in the first place. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children should visit the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday—whichever comes first.
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To help them prepare, play “dentist” at home. Brush their teeth gently, then let them brush yours or a favorite stuffed animal’s.
If you have dental anxiety, keep it to yourself. Speak positively about dental visits and use kid-friendly books or videos that present the experience as fun and comfortable—steering clear of anything that suggests pain or fear.
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Why Baby Teeth Matter and Why Dental Care is Important during the First Year of Life
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Your child needs their teeth for chewing, which is essential for proper growth and development. It is almost important for speech because we can help in guiding permanent into the correct positions
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National surveys report that more than 50 percent of children still get cavities in their baby teeth. You may be surprised to learn that dental cavities remain the most common chronic disease in children, more than four times more prevalent than asthma. Baby teeth can get cavities as soon as they appear in the mouth.
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Dental Cavities are preventable but lead to pain and suffering when left untreated.
Why Dental Care is Important, especially during the First Year of Life
Get the kids more comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist; when they go from a young age, they realize it is not a big deal since they are getting easy visits and cleanings that are painless.
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Evidence shows that when you find a dental home early in your child's life, the pediatric dentist will teach you how to properly care for your baby's teeth, thus preventing and intervening before your child develops more serious dental problems.
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Children who have their first dental visit by age one are more likely to go to the dentist overtime and less likely to need restorative or emergency visits.
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You save money by taking your child to the dentist by age one. Several U.S. studies show higher-cost savings in dental work for children with the first dental visit at age one than those who waited until age three.
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Early dental visits reduce your child's future dental risk and improve oral health.
For parents, you will play a big part in making your child’s first dental visit to the dentist positive and enjoyable. We always encourage parents to inform your child of the visit and its purpose, but also to take care in how you present it. We recommend avoiding the use of words that can create fear such as “needle,” “pull,” “drill,” or “hurt.” Your child’s first dental visit will rarely require such things, and, even should they be necessary at some point, keep in mind that The dentist is a trained pediatric dentist and has been trained to convey the information in a non-threatening way, helping to keep your child calm and comfortable.
What Happens at Your Child's First Dental Exam?
During the examination, Dr. Abarca will examine your child's erupted teeth for cavities, the gums for infection, and the other mouth tissues for any abnormalities. He will evaluate the way your child’s teeth come together (the occlusion) and check for sufficient room for the permanent teeth to erupt. He will also evaluate the effects of any childhood habits such as thumb sucking, use of a pacifier, or prolonged use of a baby bottle. At the end of the visit, Dr. Abarca will discuss all of his findings, and a necessary treatment plan, and any dental issues pertinent to protecting the well-being of your child’s oral health.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist takes two additional years of specialized training that focuses on children. This gives pediatric dentists the skills they need to build strong and trusting relationships with children from infants to young adults and an understanding of their unique dental health needs.
Things to Avoid Before Your First Visit
Your child should visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. Be sure to inform your child of the visit and its purpose, but take care in how you present it. Avoid using words that cause fear such as “needle”, “pull”, “drill”, or “hurt.” The first visit rarely requires such things, and, even should they be necessary at some point, keep in mind that Dr. Marvin is trained to convey the information in a non-threatening way, helping to keep your child calm and comfortable.
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Do not over-prepare your child for the dental visit. Tell them on the day of the appointment that way there is no time for anxiety to build up.
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Do not surprise your child by not telling them about the dental visit at all and letting your child find out they are going to the dentist when they arrive.
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Do not talk about shots, pain, or discomfort. When you take your child to the zoo, you do not discuss the dangerous animals and how they can kill and eat you, so please do not discuss the uncomfortable aspects of the dental visit. Your child's pediatric dentist and the team have a better vocabulary to explain to your child what is going on, vocabulary that is friendlier and less threatening.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist for your child or have any questions, please stop by our dental office to learn more and get a tour!
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​Are Primary Teeth Important?
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Healthy primary teeth are important for many reasons:
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Teeth facilitate proper chewing, enabling good nutrition, and assist in developing speech.
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We are often asked, “Why put fillings in baby teeth when they will fall out anyway?” Baby teeth have two stages of "falling out." Front teeth fall out between 6 years to 9 years old, and the molars (back teeth) fall out between 10 years to 12 years old
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A beautiful smile enhances self confidence regardless of age.
When Should My Child Have his/her First Dental Visit?
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday. Be sure to inform your child of the visit and its purpose, but take care in how you present it. Most families bring children to our clinic around one-years of age, and this promotes a routine for a cavity-free life!