First Visit
Aldie, VA
 Your baby’s first visit to a pediatric dental office is a big milestone! While going to the dentist might not be your idea of a fun afternoon, it is an important visit to our office to set the foundations of your child’s relationship with us and their teeth for years to come. At Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry, we want to give your baby a smile that will last a lifetime, so here are our fast facts for how to do what’s best for your little bundle of joy.
When Should I Bring My Child in for the First Time?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about when it is the right time. A survey showed that over half of new parents received no guidance from their child’s pediatrician or dentist about when to start coming in. Many parents believe that they do not need to schedule a visit until four. However, by that time, tooth decay and other problems might have already crept into your baby’s mouth!
According to the official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, a child should see us by the time their first birthday rolls around or within a six month timeframe of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Your baby’s earliest teeth likely will not start erupting before six months, so visits during this period are not as crucial.
Why Is it so Important to Schedule a Visit?
Every child deserves a chance to grow up with healthy teeth and gums. As a parent, you can help jumpstart a lifelong commitment to oral health, which will save you time, money, and the anguish of seeing your child in dental pain.
Early dental visits can be an opportunity to discover what is going on within your child’s mouth before they become worrisome problems. Decay and discoloration can be stopped early, and we can also give you tips on things like teething and home dental care. Remember, even if your little angel only has one tooth, it is important to start brushing it right away!
How Can I Prepare Myself & My Child?
Talk to your child! Practice holding their mouth open and turn brushing into a game. No matter how much preparation you do, though, there might still be a little bit of nerves once you arrive at our office and that is okay! We are used to kids that do not want to sit still for the duration of a standard office visit. We understand that every child is different and as such, we have discovered numerous ways of making kids feel safe and welcome in our office. In fact, coming in early is a great way to help build up familiarity and comfort.
What Should I Expect?
Your child’s first visit will likely be relatively short, not even an hour. There may not even be a cleaning! This is a chance for us to get to know both you and your child, answer any questions you might have, and help you tackle big topics like getting your little one dental insurance.
Dental Cleaning
A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and dental caries. It also allows us to see clearly so we can accurately assess your child’s dental health.
Dental Exam
Dr. Nadgie will perform a complete exam of your child’s teeth and gums. She will then discuss her findings with you and your child to create a custom treatment plan moving forward.
X-rays
Using safe and advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Nadgie is able to get a complete picture of your child’s oral health in ways that are impossible with the naked eye.
Do You Have Questions?
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (276) 663-0065 to speak with our team.
Will There Be Any Additional Costs At My Child's First Visit?
Dr. Nadgie will discuss her findings with you and your child to decide on the best way to move forward with treatment. Every child is different and so is the state of their dental health. Ideally, there will be no additional costs at your child’s first visit. However, if further treatment is required Dr. Nadgie will discuss the best options that will fit within your budget.
What Happens After My Child's First Visit?
After your child’s first visit, we will schedule them for a regular cleaning in six months. If Dr. Nadgie has uncovered anything of concern during her exam, she will discuss it with you and outline a customized treatment plan that is unique to your child’s dental situation.
Give Your Baby a Lifetime of Smiles Today!
There is no greater gift than teeth that will last your baby’s whole life. That starts today, by building a foundation to set your child up for success. At Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry, helping you build that foundation is our priority, so call us at (276) 663-0065 and set up your baby’s first visit with us today! |
