FIRST VISIT


We believe that the first dental examination for a child should occur between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Early diagnosis and treatment (if necessary) can prevent later, more serious problems.

Goals: We want your child to graduate from our practice with a healthy dentition and a positive attitude toward dental care. A healthy dentition is free from decay, periodontal disease and malocclusion. The prevention of dental disease is a team effort, so don’t be surprised if we ask for your help at our office. We welcome parents to stay with their child for all appointments.

Before the first visit: Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings to your child about dental visits being a part of growing up. Explain that the dentist will look at and count all of his or her teeth. Please do not tell your child that the dentist will not hurt, as this may have never entered his or her mind. Rather, emphasize that the dentist will be gentle and friendly. Avoid using words like needle, drill, shot, pull or any other word suggesting unpleasantness. Expect your child to do well and enjoy the first visit to our office and chances are, they will.

The initial appointment has been reserved just for you. Any changes in this appointment affects many patients. If you must cancel, we need to know at least 48 hours in advance.

PERMANENT TEETH ARE HERE!!!

Preventing Cavities in your teeth for life--- HEALTHY DIET and CLEAN TEETH

HEALTHY DIET CHOICES

1. Limit juice, sodas and sports drinks (even sugar free drinks are a problem because of
their ACID content ) **ACID causes CAVITIES** --- try not to drink more than
ONE CUP of these poor choices and drink them during a meal. WATER and MILK
are better choices for strong teeth and bones. NEVER swish soda or sports drinks !

2. Avoid sticky candies ( Starburst, Skittles, Fruit Snacks, Gummies, Gummy Vitamins,
etc ) ---chocolate that melts easily or ice cream are better choices. Sour candy is sour
because it is rolled in acid powder! ** ACID causes CAVITIES**


3. Be careful eating granola bars or breakfast bars. They easily get caught between your molars and cause cavities if you are not flossing.

CLEAN TEETH
Keeping the new ones clean:

1. Brush your teeth in the morning after breakfast and before you go to bed.
2. Floss everyday between any teeth that are tight.
3. Use your tongue after you eat anything to make sure your teeth feel slick --- NOT FURRY especially after lunch or any snacks (SLICK = CLEAN and HEALTHY)

CHECK UPS every six months from age 6 until age 12 are very important to monitor the
ERUPTION of your new teeth. Before age twelve, 28 permanent will grow in and replace your twenty baby teeth. We need to make sure your baby teeth fall out at the right time.

WHAT ABOUT BRACES? --- we evaluate your bite at every check up