What to Expect at Your First Visit to Pediatric Dental Healthcare?

Eruption of teeth can vary greatly for each child. Many children will begin to develop teeth between 6 to 9 months of age; however, it is not uncommon for a 12 month old to have 8 or less teeth. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that all children visit their pediatric dentist for an examination by the age of 1. At this point any questions or concerns regarding the development of your child’s teeth can be addressed. We also recommend that your child receives his/her first cleaning by the age of 3.

Upon arrival at Pediatric Dental Healthcare, someone from our Administrative Staff will greet you at our front desk and provide you with all paperwork necessary for treatment of your child. Soon after, one of our hygienists will meet you and your child in our reception area and escort you upstairs to one of our open-bay treatment rooms. Once you have arrived in our treatment area, all paperwork, including the New Patient Form will be reviewed with you regarding any allergies, medical conditions and/or dental concerns related to your child.

Your child's first visit to Pediatric Dental Healthcare

Dental Visits for Children 18 Months and Under

For most children 18 months and under our hygienist will perform a quick visual inspection of their teeth addressing any concerns with you as the parent. The hygienist will review topics of diet and nutrition, tooth eruption, how to properly clean your child’s teeth as well as providing tips on how to prevent Early Childhood Caries. The hygienist may also do a “show and tell” with your child, demonstrating the various instruments used during a typical cleaning. Even at this early age your child may allow us to perform an entire cleaning for them! The hygienist will then have one of our Pediatric Dentists join them to perform an exam of your child’s teeth and mouth and address any additional concerns you may have.

Dental Visits for Children 18 to 24 Months and Older

For children 18 to 24 months, the hygienist will accompany your child while they pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste to be used for their cleaning. Your child will then be escorted to one of our treatment chairs where they will be able to relax and watch a movie while having their teeth cleaned, which includes cleaning, flossing, fluoride application (to help strengthen the teeth) and dental x-rays (as necessary). The hygienist will also discuss topics of diet and nutrition, tooth eruption, how to properly clean your child’s teeth. The hygienist will begin providing dental care to your child with the “tell show do” method, where each instrument used will be shown and explained to your child. Who knew the dentist could be such fun, with items like “Mr. Thirsty”, a squirt gun and our tickle toothbrush??? Once your child’s dental cleaning is completed, one of our pediatric dentists will perform a complete examination of your child’s teeth and mouth addressing any additional concerns you may have. Then off to the prize box where you child will pick a toy and sticker to bring home.

Back to Pediatric Dental Healthcare Dental Care Page
Home   •   Dental Care   •   Orthodontics   •   About Us   •   FAQ's   •   Contact Us   •   Emergencies

Pediatric Dental Healthcare
Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Braces for Kids  •  www.BracesForKids.com
16 Washington Street (Rt. 1)  •  Plainville, MA 02762  •  508-695-2064

Pediatric Dental Healthcare's Privacy Statement
PDH Staff Login            Employee Website
Admin Login