The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. That may sound early, but these visits are short, gentle, and mostly about building comfort — for your child and for you.
What happens at the visit
For toddlers, the “exam” often happens with your child on your lap. We count teeth, take a gentle look at gums and bite, talk through brushing, teething, bottles, and thumb-sucking, and answer every question you have. As children grow, visits gradually add cleanings, fluoride, and x-rays when needed.
Setting the visit up for success
Talk about the dentist in simple, positive terms — avoid words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill,” even reassuringly (“it won’t hurt” plants the idea that it might). Morning appointments work best for young children. Let them bring a comfort item, and if they want to just watch the first time, that’s okay — trust builds fast when nothing is forced.
Why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, shape speech, and make comfortable chewing possible. Decay in baby teeth can pain your child and damage the adult teeth developing underneath — so cavities in baby teeth are treated, not ignored.
Dr. Simeon has cared for children throughout her career, including years as a senior associate pediatric dentist. Little patients — and nervous parents — are very welcome here.