First Visit

When & What Is My Child’s First “Regular” Visit?

Your child’s first dental visit should be no later than his or her first birthday.

We hear this a lot…that is so young!  My child won’t be cooperative!  They don’t even have all their teeth yet!  Exactly our point.  Your child is young and we want to PREVENT dental problems.  Many parents have concerns at this young age and have questions like:

  • My child is so squirmy!  How can I brush their teeth if they aren’t staying still?
  • Which teeth will come in next?
  • When should we get rid of the pacifier?
  • Which brand of sippy cup do you recommend?
  • Should I be using fluoride toothpaste?
  • My child fell; is that tooth going to be ok?

We will answer all your questions at your child’s first visit.  Much of the appointment is spent getting to know you and your child, their diet, brushing habits, and chatting about how you can give your child a cavity-free smile for life.  Our pediatric dentist will gently brush your child’s teeth while showing you how to get to those difficult areas, do an examination and discuss her findings and recommendations.  

Dr. Pelzer and Dr. Yoshioka are pediatric specialists and will explain as we go, talking to your child so they can know what will happen next.  We don’t expect young children to be cooperative and some may cry, but this is typical for their age and we are ready for anything.  The examination is over before you know it and children move on quickly to the prizes!  

Sometimes parents receive outdated information and they are told to wait until the child is 2-3 years old, or even later to go to the dentist for the first time.  This is simply too late as some children have developed decay at this age.  Our goal is to help guide your child to dental health and prevent dental problems before they start!

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE FOR A FIRST VISIT!  We see all different ages of children and patients with special healthcare needs and we are here for you.

My child has been referred for dental treatment.  How does this work?

If your child has been referred to our office due to dental treatment needs, we will schedule a consultation visit.  This visit is very important because it allows you and your child to meet our team in a relaxed and carefree atmosphere.  The doctor will do a comprehensive examination, order necessary radiographs (x-rays) and evaluate your child’s level of cooperation and anxiety.  

It is important to keep in mind that we will not complete treatment at your child’s consultation visit unless they have suffered severe facial trauma or it is a true dental emergency.  It is important that your child meet our team and that we have time to discuss findings, recommendations and an individualized treatment plan.  We want your child to feel comfortable to ask questions and be involved in their own care. 

A consultation visit also allows us to make necessary inquiries and pre-authorizations with your dental insurance, should you have any.  We take great care to make accurate estimates and submit to your dental insurance on your behalf so that you may focus on your child.