First Visit Expectations
Crying is normal! It's perfectly OK for your child to cry during the visit. This might be a new experience for them, and it’s okay if they feel uneasy. The goal is to make future visits more familiar and comfortable for your child. Frequent visits will help them get used to the dental setting.
Infants:
The first visit for your infant is more about introducing your baby to our dental office environment and meeting the dentist. Dr. Jamie will engage with both you and your baby to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. There will be a quick, gentle examination of your baby's gums, teeth (if any), and oral tissues. Our staff will provide guidance on proper oral hygiene for infants, including tips on cleaning your baby's mouth, teething, and dietary advice to prevent early tooth decay.
Ages 3 and up:
Once they get a little older, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of your child's teeth, gums, and mouth, followed by a gentle cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. X-rays may be necessary to check for any hidden issues. The current recommendations are to start taking x-rays as soon as teeth are touching, and the frequency is determined by risk-level and clinical judgement of the dentist.
The dentist and staff will show and explain the tools they use in a fun and easy way for your child to understand.
Tell: Our staff explains what they are going to do in simple, friendly terms.
Show: We’ll show your child any tools that may be used, and demonstrate what will happen, often using fun, child-friendly verbiage.
Do: The dentist or hygienist performs the procedure exactly as explained and demonstrated, making sure your child feels safe and knows what to expect.
The hygienists will educate your child on the importance of oral hygiene, and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques in an engaging manner. Our staff will also encourage your child to ask questions to help them feel more involved and comfortable.
Regular visits will help your child build confidence and trust with the dentist, making future appointments smoother and more enjoyable.